Aston Villa have reportedly identified Aymeric Laporte and Pau Torres as potential defensive signings for the summer transfer window.
The West Midlands outfit, against the odds from when Unai Emery took charge in November, have earned a place in next season's Europa Conference League courtesy of finishing in seventh position in the Premier League.
Emery will now be provided with the funds and freedom to try to take Villa to the next level as they bid to make such achievements a regular occurrence.
Villa are expected to eventually enter the market for a new right-back, a consequence of veteran Ashley Young being released at the end of his contract.
However, extra competition may be required for the middle of the backline, even with Diego Carlos already in line to compete with Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings for a starting spot.
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Emery also has Calum Chambers at his disposal, but with the Englishman potentially being made available for transfer, a upgrade from a major European club is seemingly on the agenda.
According to 90 min, Villa have already held discussions regarding potential deals for Laporte and Torres.
Since January 2018, Laporte has enjoyed a successful stint with Manchester City, making a total of 168 starts and 11 substitute outings in all competitions.
Nevertheless, injuries and the form of other players have contributed to the 29-year-old dropping down the pecking order under Pep Guardiola, and the Spain international could now be sold for the right price.
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Meanwhile, Torres has forged what will be regarded as a legendary spell at Villarreal, making 173 appearances and helping guide the Yellow Submarine to a Europa League trophy and Champions League semi-final.
Although the Spain international's future has been a topic of debate for over a year, he has remained loyal to Villarreal, but his contract is due to expire in 2024.
The report says that there is an acceptance that Torres will leave Villarreal this summer, for either his release clause of in the region of €50m (£43m) or a fee marginally less than that figure.
As for Laporte, he is allegedly valued in the region of £40m, with Tottenham Hotspur suggested as a club who may be prepared to rival Villa for his signature.
Darren Plant
