Real Madrid are on the verge of their third major signing of the close season as returning president Florentino Perez continues the club’s massive megastar recruitment drive.

Valencia striker David Villa, one of the stars of Spain’s victorious Euro 2008 squad, is reportedly on the verge of signing for the Bernabeu giants for close to $56million.

Both clubs are in the process of hammering out the fine details of the deal before officially announcing the transfer, local media sources have reported.

If confirmed, Villa would join Brazilian playmaker Kaka and Portuguese winger Ronaldo in Perez’s new-look Real side as the property magnate taps into a reported  $280million war chest to try to build a star-studded side capable of wrestling the La Liga title back from eternal rivals Barcelona.

The top scorer at Euro 2008, the 27-year-old Villa scored 28 goals in the Spanish championship this season.

But Valencia are reportedly ready to sell some of their top stars in a bid to ease their financial difficulties.

Perez returned as president of Real at the start of this month and during his first stint, from 2000 to 2006, he oversaw the era of the ‘Galacticos’ when world stars such as Zinedine Zidane, England’s David Beckham and Brazil’s Ronaldo were attracted to the club.

Portsomouth have promised negotiations for the imminent takeover of the club do not involve ex-Manchester City owner Thaksin Shinawatra or Premier League chairman Sir Dave Richards.

UAE property billionaire Dr Sulaiman Al Fahim is closing in on a takeover at the South coast club with due diligence predicted to be finalised in
the next month.

However, the Fratton Park outfit have denied reports that former Thai prime minister Thaksin and Premier League chief Richards have had a hand in the negotiations.

“Portsmouth FC would like to confirm that neither Dr Thaksin Shinawatra nor his advisor Pairoj Piempongsat are involved in funding Dr Sulaiman Al Fahim's bid to buy the club,” read a Pompey statement. “A representative for Dr Sulaiman Al Fahim met with Premier League officials last week and confirmed that he is the sole purchaser of the football club and this will be verified by his lawyers.

“Pompey executive chairman Peter Storrie met Piempongsat during his time at Manchester City some two years ago. Pairoj subsequently introduced Mr Storrie to Dr Sulaiman Al Fahim and that is the extent of his involvement.

“Sir Dave Richards has had no role to play in the takeover, other than providing advice in his role as chairman of the Premier League and to suggest otherwise undermines the excellent work he does in his position,” the statement continued.

Manchester United have reportedly launched their search for a replacement for the outgoing Cristiano Ronaldo by sounding out Roma striker Mirko Vucinic.  

Italian newspapers have  suggested informal contact has been made between the clubs for the Montenegro forward but Vucinic, who recently signed a new four-year deal, is happy to stay at the Stadio Olimpico.

“It’s pleasing that a great club like that are interested in me,” he said. “But I’ve just signed a new contract and I’d like to stay at Roma.”

Roma reportedly refused a $30million offer from United last summer for Vucinic but, knowing they have to sell to buy, could accept $35million for the 25-year-old.