SPAIN: Atlético replace Falcao with Villa

Barcelona have agreed to sell Spanish international striker David Villa to Atlético Madrid for a reported cut-price deal of €5.1 million.

The transfer will seemingly be worth up to €5.1 million with an initial fee of €2.1 million spread over this season, then an additional €2 million if Villa remains with Los Colchoneros for the 2014/15 season. Barcelona will receive an additional million if Villa extends his contract with Atlético into the 2015/16 season. The La Liga champions have also included a clause to see that they will receive 50% of any future transfer fee.

Villa arrives to replace Colombian striker Radamel Falcao, who last month joined big spending French side Monaco for a transfer believed to range from €45 million to €60 million.

Villa, turns 32 in December, joined the Blaugrana in 2010 and played 119 games for the club, scoring 48 goals. Under Tito Vilanova, the striker’s role with Barca was greatly reduced last season, and the addition of Brazilian superstar Neymar made his departure look likely.

The Spaniard will complete a medical this week before signing officially and being presented to the fans.

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