Barca grab David Villa, other transfer rumors abound

Barcelona made the first big splash of the offseason as they swooped for Spain star David Villa for a transfer fee of upward of £34.2 million.  David Villa, Valencia's top scorer in La Liga with 21 goals, will sign for four years and will be paid €7 million-a-season.  Barcelona is basically becoming the Spain national team.  By adding Villa it will give Barca seven major Spanish internationals in their squad.  Hopes are they can also lure Cesc Fabregas away from Arsenal.    Word is Fabregas wants the move, but it must be confirmed by Arsenal before the transfer can go through.

In other news on the transfer market, word is veteran French star Thierry Henry is headed to MLS after the World Cup to play for New York Red Bull.   News is that an agreement has already been reached, but neither side is saying much as Henry wants to concentrate on the World Cup first.

Birmingham nabbed Manchester United keeper Ben Foster after Foster was unable to grab the starting keeper position at United over the last couple of years.  Foster signed a three year deal for Birmingham.   He will replace the capable Joe Hart who returns to Manchester City after spending the year with Birmingham on loan.

Sir Alex Ferguson has stated that Manchester United are possibly only looking for one signing this summer.   Funds are available to spend, but word is the coach is very happy with his squad currently and is looking for that final piece of the puzzle to grab the EPL title back from Chelsea next year.  Man U already has Chris Smelling from Fulham and Mexico international Javier Hernandez arriving.

Deco looks like he will make his Chelsea exit after an unproductive year.  He wants to be heading home to Brazil and is in negotiations with Fluminense.  Word is Chelsea is looking to make a move for Liverpool midfielder Yossi Benayoun to replace Joe Cole who is out of contract.  Cole would like to remain at Chelsea, but it is looking doubtful.