Football news

Valencia striker David Villa, one of the stars of Spain's victorious Euro 2008 squad, has signed for Real Madrid for close to 40 million euros, Marca reported.

The Spanish paper, citing sources at Real Madrid and Valencia, said both clubs were hammering out the fine details of the deal before officially announcing the transfer.

If confirmed, Villa would become the third big name to join the club under new president Florentino Perez, after Brazilian playmaker Kaka and Portuguese winger Ronaldo from Milan and Manchester United respectively.

Perez has established a 200-million-euro war chest for players, vowing to create a "spectacular team" capable of overtaking arch-rivals Barcelona next season.

Everton part ways with trio

Everton have released Nuno Valente while Segundo Castillo has returned to Red Star Belgrade after a loan spell and Andy van der Meyde's contract is not being renewed, the Premier League club said.

Former Portugal defender Valente, who played in their Euro 2004 final defeat by Greece, is departing at the end of an injury-hit season in which he made just two appearances.

Ecuador midfielder Castillo's season-long loan deal is over with the 27-year-old having made 13 appearances for Everton and scoring once before heading back to his Serbian club.

Van der Meyde has had a turbulent time since arriving in 2005 after "battling against injuries, personal problems and disciplinary issues and showing only glimpses of his quality," the club said.

No Eto'o swap deal - Moratti

Inter president Massimo Moratti has played down reports of a swap deal between unsettled striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Barcelona's Samuel Eto'o.

"I met Barca president Joan Laporta and we both said it would be better to keep our players. We are not thinking of a swap. This situation with Ibrahimovic drags on but even this time I think he'll stay," Moratti told Sky yesterday.

Moratti, who said no decision had been made about a bid for Deco, added that the Italian champions were interested in Chelsea and Portugal team-mate Ricardo Carvalho.

Robinho urges Tevez signing

Robinho has urged Manchester City to launch a bid for Carlos Tevez.

The Argentine striker's future is uncertain as he nears the end of a two-year loan agreement at Manchester United.

City have been linked with a bid for the bullish forward, although the Red Devils appear keen to strike fresh terms with Tevez's representatives, with Cristiano Ronaldo set for Real Madrid.

"We would definitely complement City's attack. I hope my club make a move for him," Robinho told The Sun.

"It would be a pleasure to play with Carlos. He is one of the best players in the world and it is a shame he is not having more opportunities at his current club."

Rossi happy at Villarreal

Giuseppe Rossi has played down reports of a possible move to Juventus when he declared that he is happy at Villarreal.

"I've also heard about this possibility," Rossi told Tuttosport. "But I have a contract for several years with Villarreal, where I am rather happy.

"Of course, I confirm that my dream is to return to Italy, but it will have to be up to them to sell me.

"Now I have to and I want to remain focused on the Confederations Cup. I have to play my cards right."

Vucinic wants to stay at Roma

Mirko Vucinic insists he wants to remain at Roma despite reported interest from Manchester United.

Speculation has been rife that Vucinic is one of the players United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is considering as a replacement for Real Madrid bound Cristiano Ronaldo.

Reports in Italy suggest informal contact has been made between the clubs for the Montenegro forward but Vucinic, who recently signed a new four-year deal, is happy to stay at the capital club.

"It's certainly pleasing that a great club like that are interested in me," he told Corriere dello Sport. "But I have only heard about it from the newspapers.

"I've just signed a new contract and I'd like to stay at Roma."

Milan still keen on Dzeko

Milan have not given up hope of signing Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko despite the Bundesliga club's refusal to sell him.

The Bosnia international is the Rossoneri's top target this summer with Premier League sides Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal also reportedly interested in the 23-year-old.

"Wolfsburg have declared the player is not for sale," said Milan club administrator Adriano Galliani.

"But we will try again because he is our top aim, without a doubt.

"But in the case he doesn't arrive then we would consider our second and third aim."