Barca Close To Forlan Deal?
(Goal.com) - Spanish media are reporting that Barcelona are expected to complete a €15 million purchase of striker Diego Forlan from Villarreal this week.
Barca are said to regard the Primera Liga's top scorer in 2004/05 as the ideal replacement for Henrik Larsson, who is returning to his Swedish homeland. Larsson was mainly deployed as back-up to this season's Pichichi, Samuel Eto'o.
Uruguay international Forlan, previously at Manchester United where he struggled to impress, has also attracted interest from Valencia and some Serie A clubs apparently.
But he has been aware of Barca's interest for several months, and is said to prefer a move which enable him to stay in Spain.
Barca are also thought to be ready to negotiate with Villarreal over their 25 per cent share in Juan Roman Riquelme, who is currently on loan at El Madrigal from Cam Nou - in return for a reduction of the €23 million asking price for Forlan's contract.
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