Villa close to Spurs move

Barcelona striker David Villa is within a few days of signing for Tottenham after the two camps agreed personal terms, it was revealed on Friday.

All that stands in Villa’s way is the transfer fee and negotiations are at an advanced stage, according to Goal.com. If the move does go through by the end of next week, Spurs will find themselves with an enormous striking talent on their hands and their Premier League betting online odds are likely to be slashed.

As for Barca, Villa’s expected departure has been no big secret and boss Tito Vilanova’s signing of Neymar for almost £50m opened the gate for the 31-year-old to depart.

Villa’s Nou Camp career has spanned possibly the most successful three-year period in the club’s history. Not only did he help them to two Liga titles but his goal in the 2011 Champions League final confirmed Barca rulers of European football with their 3-1 victory over Manchester United.

Alongside Lionel Messi and in front of Andreas Iniesta and Xavi, Villa scored 33 league goals and proved deadly for Spain over this period too.

A broken leg in December 2011, however, ruined his season and he hasn’t been the same player since. Now he’s 31 he’s only going to get slower and take longer to recover from injuries, meaning this summer is the perfect time for Barca to cut their ties with the international striker.

The Nou Camp will feel Villa’s absence but with Neymar set to ignite the hearts of Barca fans their departing star won’t be missed for long. The Catalan giants remain favourites to win La Liga next term and there are some great bet365 football betting promotions available on them to succeed in the Champions League.

2012/13 is very much a new era for Barca and sadly Villa won’t be part of it. He’ll never be forgotten, however, and heads to London with our greatest thanks.