Soccer-Villa sign Spain defender Torres from Villarreal

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Spain Training - Qatar University Training Site 1, Doha, Qatar - December 4, 2022 Spain's Pau Torres during training REUTERS/Pedro Nunes

(Reuters) - Aston Villa have signed Spain international centre back Pau Torres from Villarreal for an undisclosed fee, the Premier League club said on Wednesday.

British media reported Torres had a release clause of 70 million euros ($77.64 million) but with a year left on his contract with Villarreal, the English side have agreed a fee in the region of 31.5 million pounds ($40.88 million).