"I would never reject Real Madrid!" Premier League star admits to missing out on 'dream' transfer

James Shearman

• Updated: 2 Nov 2023 21:02 GMT
• 3 min read

Aston Villa defender Pau Torres has revealed that he was close to signing for Real Madrid two years ago.

The former Villarreal man was wanted by Carlo Ancelotti's side before they ended up signing David Alaba on a free transfer instead.

"No, I didn’t reject it. I would never reject a team like Real Madrid or Barcelona, ​​you can never reject them," Torres told Relevo.

MORE: Real Madrid 'CERTAIN' to complete 'most desired signing'

"There were conversations but finally Madrid had a market option that was very good, which was to bring Alaba on a free transfer. It is very difficult to find that type of free player.

"In the end, for a transfer to occur, many circumstances have to occur and at that moment it did not happen and absolutely nothing happens, one continues working and one’s dreams remain intact. In that sense, focused on mine."

Torres has since moved to Premier League side Aston Villa, who are exceeding expectations under head coach Unai Emery.

The Spaniard's centre-back partnership with Ezri Konsa has been a major part of their success thus far.

Villa are fifth in the league table, with a top-half defensive record to go alongside being the joint-top scorers in the division through 10 games.

Real Madrid to sign centre-back

Real Madrid may have completed the free transfer signing of David Alaba two years ago, but they are in the market for another defender again now.

"Madrid are looking for a new signing to replace Militao; Goncalo Inacio, Sporting's centre-back, will arrive for €60 million," reports Radio MARCA's Pedro Pablo Parrado.

"Jorge Mendes has recommended his player to Real and Florentino Perez has given it the thumbs up."

With Militao injured, Madrid's three most-used centre-backs this season have been Antonio Rudiger (30 years old), David Alaba (31) and Nacho Fernandez (33). Aurelien Tchouameni was even used as a stop-gap in the 4-0 win over Osasuna earlier this month.

Sporting handed Inacio a new four-year contract in August, but the €60m release clause inserted into his contract is clearly not enough to see off interest from Los Blancos.