Manchester United have lost out on one of their summer targets, after Barcelona agreed a deal with Valencia for highly-rated left-back Jordi Alba.
United were linked with a move for Alba throughout the summer, with Barca understood to be the frontrunners. On Thursday the move was confirmed by both Spanish clubs and Barcelona will pay €14million ($17.5 million) to Valencia for the 23-year-old.
"Barcelona announce that they have reached an agreement with Valencia for the transfer of Jordi Alba, who will undergo his medical next week," the Spanish club said on their website.
"The cost will be €14 million, and the player will sign a contract for the next five seasons.''
Valencia's statement added: "Valencia Football Club and Barcelona have reached an agreement for the transfer of Jordi Alba. Valencia wish him the greatest of luck."
Sir Alex Ferguson is on the lookout for a left-back to compete with Patrice Evra with Leighton Baines and Alba the chief targets. Now with Alba off to the Catalan giants, Ferguson might turn his attentions towards Baines; however Everton have slapped a massive £20 million ($31 million) price-tag on the England international, who was Ashley Cole's understudy at Euro 2012.
Alba has been extremely impressive for Spain in the current Euro 2012 campaign, especially going forward. The 23-year-old grabbed the assist in Xabi Alonso's first goal in Spain's 2-0 win over France in the quarterfinals.
Spain await the winners between Germany and Italy, after the defending champions beat Portugal in a penalty shootout in the semi-finals on Wednesday.
Alba is a product of Barca's famed academy, but left the club when he was 15 to join UE Cornella. Cornella will also receive a percentage of the fee as agreed upon when Alba transferred to Valencia in 2006. Alba made his first team debut for Valencia in 2009, and had just one year remaining on his contract with Los Che.
