Barcelona move fast to sign prolific Villa from Valencia

MADRID - Barcelona snapped up Spain striker David Villa from Valencia for 40 million euros ($49.6 million) on Wednesday, moving swiftly to strengthen their squad just three days after winning the La Liga title.

Valencia president Manuel Llorente said they had accepted Barca's bid for the prized striker, who scored 21 league goals last season to finish his fifth consecutive campaign as the club's top scorer.

"There was a big offer from England that was not from Chelsea but Barcelona's was the best for us and the footballer," Llorente said. "Villa has delivered a lot (to Valencia) and he deserves this chance."