Barca splash cash to sign Villa

(GSM) - La Liga giants Barcelona have splashed out £34.2million to sign David Villa from rivals Valencia.

The Catalan giants had also previously come close to signing the prolific striker last summer, but Los Che's stance meant they had to begrudgingly accept defeat in their endeavours.

However, their alternative expensive signing of Swedish star Zlatan Ibrahimovic failed to produce an impact as the former Internazionale frontman has struggled to produce the desirable expectations in Spain.

Barca have therefore turned their attention back to Villa, with an agreement now reached to take him to Camp Nou.

The 28-year-old is widely regarded as one of the world's most lethal frontmen, having displayed remarkable consistency throughout his career.

Barca are now hoping to benefit from his considerable talent and have handed him a four-year contract.

Villa, who is expected to shine for Spain at this summer's World Cup, is set to undergo a medical at Camp Nou on Friday before putting the finishing touches to his move.

A statement on Barcelona's official website read: "FC Barcelona and Valencia CF closed a 40million euro deal for Spanish striker David Villa on Wednesday morning.

"The Spanish international is due in Barcelona on Thursday evening and will have a medical on Friday morning. Villa will then be officially unveiled as a Barca player."