Tottenham Hotspur are seriously considering a move to sign Villarreal 'star man' and World Cup-bound defender Pau Torres, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Lilywhites transfer planning?

The Lilywhites have been linked with a succession of defenders as manager Antonio Conte and sporting director Fabio Paratici plan to upgrade the Premier League club's squad.

For instance, Inter Milan centre-half Milan Skriniar has been on Spurs' radar as the north Londoners chase the riches of Champions League qualification for a second successive campaign.

Torres, for whom Paratici made an approach in the summer of 2021, could now be back on the agenda amid earning a call-up to Spain's squad for this month's World Cup in Qatar.

The Latest: Spurs 'very much considering move' for Torres...

Indeed, the 25-year-old Villarreal mainstay could leave his club mid-season, with the La Liga side 'braced to lose' their 'star' defender in January.

This information comes courtesy of 90min and journalist Graeme Bailey, who claim that Paratici and Conte are firmly back in the frame to sign Torres.

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The Spaniard's contract is set to expire in 2024, but while Villarreal know that they could be resigned to his exit in January, they will demand a club-record fee for his services, which is believed to be upwards of £40m.

As a result of his potential availability, Tottenham are 'very much considering' a move to sign Torres.

The Verdict: Do it...

A fee in excess of £40m could be a worthwhile investment for someone of Torres' calibre.

As per WhoScored, only goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli and midfielder Daniel Parejo have played more league minutes at Villarreal than the centre-back this season, with Torres also making more blocks per 90 than any of his teammates.

These numbers highlight the 6 foot 3 colossus as a solid and dependable asset at the back, which is arguably what Tottenham need given they have conceded 11 goals in their last five league matches.