Atlético seals deal for David Villa

The summer transfer market in Spain has been slow to creak into action but with the Confederations Cup over and pre-season training looming, Liga clubs are taking out their checkbooks.

Atlético Madrid pulled off something of a coup Monday by reportedly signing Barcelona striker David Villa for a staggered fee of just five million euros, three years after the Catalan giant paid Valencia 40 million for the Spanish national team’s all-time leading scorer. The deal was announced on Barcelona’s official website, which also reported that hugely popular defender Éric Abidal, who was released last month, has signed for boyhood club Monaco.

If the Villa transfer goes through, his first official match will be the Spanish Supercup, the season curtain-raiser to be contested between Atlético and Barça.

Atlético recently sold top striker Radamel Falcao to Monaco in a deal worth 60 million euros.

Real Madrid did not dally in snapping up Spain under-21 star Isco as soon as Carlo Ancelotti had been confirmed as the new club coach and the Bernabéu hierarchy looks set to continue on a quest for young national talent. Reports suggest that Real Sociedad midfielder Asier Illarramendi will arrive this week, in another deal fashioned by sporting director Zinedine Zidane.

Where that leaves Xabi Alonso — Illarramendi has been touted as the bearded Basque’s eventual replacement for club and country — is open to question; Liverpool has registered interest in its former favorite and José Mourinho is reportedly keen to be reunited with the Spain international at Chelsea.