Mavuba to make Spanish move

Villarreal have agreed a deal to sign French international Rio Mavuba from Bordeaux.

The highly-rated midfielder had been linked with both Arsenal and Manchester United over the past six months, but will now continue his career in La Liga after agreeing a five-year deal with The Yellow Submarine.

Villarreal will pay in the region of ‚é¼8million (£5.4million) for Mavuba, leaving Bordeaux contemplating the exit of another key player after West Ham's swoop for Julien Faubert.

"Bordeaux, Villarreal and Rio Mavuba have come to an agreement for the transfer of the player to the yellows on a five year deal," Villarreal said on their website.

Mavuba - who joins compatriots Robert Pires and Pascal Cygan at El Madrigal - added: "I don't speak Spanish very well, I can only say that I'm very happy."

Bordeaux coach Laurent Blanc has been linked with a move for Troyes' Blaise Matuidi as a possible like-for-like replacement for Mavuba.