FC Barcelona have reached an agreement with Valencia CF for the services of Spain striker David Villa in a deal worth €40m.

The 28-year-old will sign a four-year deal – which contains an option of a further year – subject to completing a medical with the Liga champions at the Camp Nou on Friday. The move brings to an end a season of speculation surrounding the future of Villa, whose 108 goals in 166 league games for the club over the past five years have constantly made him a transfer target.

Having come through the ranks at Asturian outfit Real Sporting de Gijón, 'El Guaje' (The Kid) moved to Real Zaragoza in 2003 where he struck 32 times in 73 league games. A Spanish international with 37 strikes in 55 senior appearances, Villa helped La Roja to UEFA EURO 2008 glory, finishing the tournament as top scorer with four goals.

After Barcelona were eliminated in the semi-finals of this season's UEFA Champions League, coach Josep Guardiola will now be hoping his new recruit can help the team to regain Europe's top club title with a challenge that begins in the group stage next term.