Real confident of signing Villa
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is confident that a deal to sign Spain striker David Villa from Valencia will be concluded in the near future.
The 27-year-old is finally poised to leave the Mestalla, having been linked with a number of clubs across the continent, including Chelsea and Manchester City.
Perez told Marca: "He is an excellent player that we must fit into our project.
"(Valencia president) Manuel Llorente has to do what he has to do, as do I. The signing is just a matter of time.
"Everything is being done in a friendly and co-operative way,and we have good relations with Valencia.
"It is not a movie with a good and a bad side. It is a case of rival and historic clubs who are going to fight for the league title."
Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes is reported to have agreed a new long-term contract to bring to an end the speculation surrounding his future.
Valdes, 27, was said to be ready to walk away from the Spanish and European champions next summer on a free transfer when his contract was set to expire.
AC Milan and Manchester United were both linked with moves for the shot-stopper, but Valdes' agent Gines Carvajal has dropped a strong hint that his client will now be remaining at the Camp Nou.
Following a meeting with Barca technical director Txiki Begiristain on Thursday, Carvajal said: "The meeting is now closed."
Valdes' representatives are believed to have reached agreement over a new five-year contract.
Meanwhile, Yaya Toure is also on the verge of signing a new contract with the Catalan club, according to the agent of the Ivory Coast midfielder.
Toure was rumoured to be unsettled at the Camp Nou this summer after suggesting he was not happy with the terms of his current contract.
However, agent Dimitri Seluk believes an agreement over a lucrative new contract is now close to being reached.
"Barcelona are optimistic about resolving the issue and I believe that we are on the verge of signing an agreement," he said.
"Although there are many clubs interested, we are not interested in them.
"In fact, he can only play for eight teams - three of them in Italy, three in England and two in Spain."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments