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Espinosa move completes Villarreal's busy week

Villarreal CF's transfer activity continues with Javier Espinosa, Jonathan dos Santos, Antonio Rukavina and Denis Cheryshev all reinforcing the Yellow Submarine.

Javier Espinosa was a Barcelona B regular last term
Javier Espinosa was a Barcelona B regular last term ©Getty Images

Villarreal CF continue to strengthen their squad for the 2014/15 UEFA Europa League with FC Barcelona youth-team player Javier Espinosa the latest to arrive at El Madrigal.

Having earlier confirmed deals for Mexico midfielder Jonathan dos Santos, also from Barcelona, Real Valladolid CF's Serbia defender Antonio Rukavina and Russia winger Denis Cheryshev, on a season-long loan from Real Madrid CF, the Liga side have added 21-year-old Espinosa on a free transfer. Scorer of seven goals in 37 second-division games for Barça B last term, the former Spanish Under-17 international will have a three-year contract.

Meanwhile Dos Santos, brought in for an undisclosed fee, spoke of his delight after signing on for five years with the Yellow Submarine, where he teams up with brother Giovani. "The coach [Marcelino] told me what he wants from me: intensity in training and in matches," said the 24-year-old, who made 14 Liga appearances for Barcelona. "I've worked hard for the past eight months [to overcome a serious knee injury] and now I'm ready."

Serbia's Rukavina was equally excited about representing the 2006 UEFA Champions League semi-finalists after the former FK Partizan, Borussia Dortmund and TSV 1860 München full-back penned a two-year deal to complete his free transfer from relegated Valladolid. "This is a great club and one I like a lot because of their attacking style," he said. "This move was the best option for me."

Sixth in the Liga last season, Villarreal will contest a UEFA Europa League play-off in August.

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