DAVID VILLA - will join City
City boss Mark Hughes has targeted the Spanish hit-man and the
deal has been rubber-stamped by City’s Arab owners.
They are determined to make an impact signing in the transfer
window and will take advantage of Valencia’s perilous financial
position.
The Spanish side have been hit badly by the global economic
crisis and admitted they will be forced to cash in on their major
asset in the New Year.
Real Madrid believed they were in pole position but signed £17m
Ajax star Klass-Jan Huntelaar in midweek — and City surged ahead
when they made it clear they would instantly match Valencia’s
asking price.
Villa will join Robinho as the Premier League’s top wage earner
on £160,000-a-week as City’s Abu Dhabi owners make good on their
promise to buy the world’s best.
Reports in Spain claimed City representatives have met twice met
with Villa’s agent, Jose Luis Tamargo, in Madrid to discuss the
move.
Villa, who turned 27 on Wednesday, has a £125m compensation
clause built into his contract at Valencia but the club are so
cash-strapped they have been forced to waive that in the face of
City’s interest.
And while he signed a new contract in the summer which ties him
to Valencia until 2014, he knows he has no option but to move
on.
He said: “I will stay at Valencia for as long as the president
wants me. If he tells me I have to be sold to save the club, then
that is his decision and I’ll look for a fresh
challenge.”
Villa was the top scorer at Euro 2008 with four goals and is
also second top scorer in La Liga behind Samuel Eto’o. A source
close to the deal said: “It is clear City need a world-class
striker and Villa fits the bill.
“The Arabs have been impressed with him and Mark Hughes is
convinced he will do well in English football. “His agent will be
flying in on Tuesday and there is every chance talks and a deal
will be concluded by the end of the week.”
