Pau Torres is reunited with Unai Emery after joining Aston Villa from boyhood club Villarreal for £31.5m. 

The ball-playing centre-back, who has 23 Spain caps, played under Emery at the Yellow Submarine and won the Europa League two years ago following a gripping penalty shootout against Manchester United in which Torres scored his side's penultimate spot-kick. 

Torres has signed a five-year deal, subject to international clearance and a successful visa application, and will wear the No 14 shirt. 

The acquisition of Torres makes him the second-most expensive Villa player of all time after Emiliano Buendia, who arrived from Norwich for an initial £33m in 2021. 

He also becomes the second player to join Emery's men this month after Youri Tielemans. 

Torres made his senior debut in August 2016 for Villarreal's B team before making his bow for the first team a year later. 

After a successful loan spell with second-tier Malaga during the 2018/19 campaign, he cemented his place in Villarreal's starting XI and became a key figure at the heart of the defence.

He leaves having made 173 appearances in all competitions, netting 12 times. 

The 26-year-old becomes the second key player to depart El Madrigal this summer after Nicolas Jackson's departure to Chelsea. 

Aston Villa kick off their Premier League season with a daunting trip to Newcastle on Saturday 12 August, while Villarreal start their LaLiga campaign at home to Real Betis the day after.