Rossi Joins Villarreal

• Reuters, Tuesday, July 31, 2007 4 PM

Manchester United's Italian-American striker Giuseppe Rossi will play in La Liga next season, joining Spanish giant Villarreal in a transfer deal for approximately $13.7 million, according to various media reports. The 20-year-old Rossi spent all of last season on loan, first with Newcastle United of the EPL, where he received little playing time, and then at Serie A's Parma, where his nine goals helped the Italian giant stave off relegation. Rossi was born in Teaneck, N.J., and has made several appearances for Italy's U-21 team.

Rossi is Villarreal's third striker addition of the offseason. His arrival was preceded by the permanent move of Jon Dahl Tomasson from VfB Stuttgart, and the arrival Tomane Nunes from Sporting Lisbon. Argentine playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme, on loan with Boca Juniors last season, has returned to the club. Villarreal finished fifth in the Primera Liga last season to earn a berth in the UEFA Cup. Last season's top scorer, Diego Forlan, was sold to Atletico Madrid for $28 million last month.

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