VALENCIA and Spain international striker David Villa has taken a huge stride towards joining Barcelona after meeting with the Catalan club’s technical secretary Txiki Begiristain this week.

VILLA: Wanted by Barcelona

The prolific Villa is on holiday in his home region of Asturias and Begiristain flew up to meet him and explain what he could expect if he moved to Nou Camp.

Marca reported that, along with his agent Jose Luis Tamargo, Villa was briefed about Barca’s ambitious plans for next season when they will play for six major trophies.

“We are going for everything,” Begiristain is reported to have said. “We will do everything that we can to ensure that you play for us next season.”

Lyon striker Karim Benzema’s move to Real Madrid has meant Barca have a clear run to try and persuade Valencia to let Villa go and the player is now convinced about the switch.

Brazil’s young striker Keirrison, who is set to sign up with Barca, has been reported to be instrumental in their plan as they will offer him to Los Che on a season-long loan once he arrives on July 13.

Valencia have previously said talks with Barca have been held and all indications are that they are prepared to sell as long as a deal that will go down well with the club’s fans is done.

Meanwhile, Barca financial director XavierSala i Martin has taken a swipe at Real Madrid’s incredible spending this summer by saying they will have to sell 7 million replica shirts to pay for Kaka.

With Real president Florentino Perez explaining the Brazilian superstar would generate income, Sala i Martin said he could not see how the transfer fee would be recouped.

Kaka signed from AC Milan for €67 million (RM334.4m) and was presented to Real’s fans on Tuesday. But his arrival has already drawn criticism from Barca.

While Barca president Joan Laporta has said they do not need to splash the cash because the Catalan club create their stars, Sala i Martin has again spoken out.

“In order to pay for Kaka, they will have to sell 7 million shirts,” he told Sport.

After their previous home shirt lasted just one season, Real have issued a new top for the forthcoming season and it was in this shirt that their latest acquisition posed this week.