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David Villa transfer latest: Globe-trotting Villa signs for re-branded Melbourne City FC on a short-term loan from Manchester City-owned New York City FC

Villa will head to Australia later this year after the A-League side were renamed to continue Manchester City's global expansion plans

Thursday 05 June 2014 11:43 BST

David Villa is presented as the first ever signing for New York City FC (Twitter/@Guaje7Villa)

A-League side Melbourne Heart have been renamed Melbourne City FC and will take Spain striker David Villa on loan from sister club New York City FC for a short spell later this year.

The eye-catching coup of landing Villa, Spain's all-time record national team goalscorer, from October to December was announced just minutes after the name change was made public.

The newly-rebranded Australian club stated on their website: "Melbourne City FC can today announce that New York City FC's inaugural player and Spanish World Cup winner David Villa will join the club for a period of the Hyundai A-League 2014-15 season.

"Villa, 32, who was unveiled by the Major League Soccer club as its inaugural player on Monday, will play, train and contribute to Melbourne City FC's Hyundai A-League campaign between October and December 2014 prior to the commencement of the MLS season in the United States."

Former Barcelona frontman Villa helped Atletico Madrid win the Spanish Primera Division league title last month, and also played in the Champions League final against Real Madrid, before his move to Major League Soccer was revealed. He features in Spain's World Cup squad, and could face Australia in the Group B clash between the countries on June 23.

Transfer analysis: The players set for major moves this summer

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1/21Transfer analysis: The players set for major moves this summer

Transfer analysis: The players set for major moves this summer

Edinson Cavani

Another striker linked with Chelsea as they look to bolster their front line, the Uruguayan may have only recently joined PSG but that won't stop rumours about him moving from flying around all summer. Particularly if he impresses at the World Cup in Brazil where he will be coming up against England in the group stages.

Transfer analysis: The players set for major moves this summer

Radamel Falcao

The Colombian surprised many with his move to Monaco last season but it would not surprise many if he moved on again this summer. Chelsea are one of many clubs reportedly keen to bring him in. He has been ruled out of the World Cup with a knee injury.

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Transfer analysis: The players set for major moves this summer

Toni Kroos

One player who's been creating transfer rumours for a while is Toni Kroos. The German has been linked with a move to Manchester United as his contract talks with Bayern Munich stall. Whether Kroos is simply exploiting United's need for midfield improvements simply to improve his Bayern contract remains to be seen. His superb goals against Arsenal at the Emirates the last two years running highlight just what a talent the Germany international is.

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Transfer analysis: The players set for major moves this summer

Victor Valdes

For some reason Victor Valdes wants to leave Barcelona this summer and Liverpool, Manchester City and Monaco have all been linked with his signature. A recent injury that saw him miss the end of the season and the World Cup could change things, with the Spaniard potentially choosing to stay until his recuperation is over.

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Transfer analysis: The players set for major moves this summer

Paul Pogba

Juventus are set to offer Paul Pogba a new contract according to some reports, however his £40m buyout clause must be tempting to some, former club Manchester United included. Comes with something of a reputation however, so would be a gamble.

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Transfer analysis: The players set for major moves this summer

Fabio Coentrao

The Portuguese left back nearly joined Manchester United in January and with the Premier League bracing itself for a flurry of activity in that particular position, Coentrao could be one man in line for a move. Particularly as he has struggled for appearances at Real Madrid this term.

Transfer analysis: The players set for major moves this summer

Mario Balotelli

Why always linked with transfers? For one reason or another, Super Mario is one man constantly in the transfer spotlight with a potential reuniting with former boss Jose Mourinho at Chelsea being mooted by some while other reports suggesting he has been offered to Arsenal for £30m.

Transfer analysis: The players set for major moves this summer

Arturo Vidal

The self-styled 'best in the world' in his role, has had a great season with Juventus and consequently finds himself in the sights of Real Madrid and Manchester United United according to reports. A good World Cup with Chile will only boost the likelihood of some offers.

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Transfer analysis: The players set for major moves this summer

Sergio Aguero

It seems unlikely that Aguero is likely to quit Manchester City but following his continuing excellence at the club, the Argentine forward reportedly remains a target for Real Madrid who might be the one club capable of luring him away from the Etihad. Them and Barcelona, who his father says would be difficult for Aguero to turn down.

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Transfer analysis: The players set for major moves this summer

Iker Casillas

Synonymous with Real Madrid for so long, Casillas fell out of favour with first Jose Mourinho and now Carlo Ancelotti and a summer move seems likely. Where the Spanish captain will go is less clear. Barcelona will be in need of a new keeper, but surely that move won't happen? Arsenal are another club reportedly interested in finding a new number one.

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Transfer analysis: The players set for major moves this summer

Shinji Kagawa

So exciting to watch at Dortmund, Kagawa has failed to shine at Old Trafford and has struggled to earn a first team place this season. Many blame the manager but few could complain if the Japanese star was keen to move on this summer. A return to Dortmund is a possibility.

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Transfer analysis: The players set for major moves this summer

Eliaquim Mangala

It seems like almost every top European club is looking to reinforce the centre of its defence at the moment and consequently Eliaquim Mangala could be in high demand. The Porto centre-back's value meanwhile is going up and up.

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Transfer analysis: The players set for major moves this summer

Julian Draxler

Julian Draxler has featured heavily in recent transfer windows and looks set to do so again this summer with Arsenal once again linked with the German star. The Germany international has signalled he's open to a move away from Schalke.

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Transfer analysis: The players set for major moves this summer

Luis Suarez

Liverpool's Suarez-inspired league form and subsequent Champions League qualification may help keep the Uruguayan on Merseyside, however rumours of a move to a bigger club will still persist this summer. Particularly when it seems whenever the striker returns to his native Uruguay he forgets about his affection for the Reds. An impressive World Cup, if he recovers from an injury in time, will only fuel speculation.

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Transfer analysis: The players set for major moves this summer

Jackson Martinez

Porto's Colombian striker is seemingly always mentioned in transfer gossip pages and this summer looks set to be no different. With Falcao set to miss the World Cup, this tournament could be Martinez's chance to really show himself off on the world stage with Colombia.

Transfer analysis: The players set for major moves this summer

Mateo Musacchio

A free agent in June, which means a host of clubs could be interested in the 23-year-old centre-back. Manchester United are one of those reportedly keen on the Villarreal player.

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Transfer analysis: The players set for major moves this summer

Nicklas Bendtner

The 'Great Dane' is out of contract in the summer and if we are to believe the man himself then a move to Real Madrid or Barcelona beckons. A switch to Sunderland or Stoke might be more likely.

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Transfer analysis: The players set for major moves this summer

William Carvalho

Another player plying his trade in Portugal that is causing a bit of a stir. The 21-year-old is at Sporting Lisbon for the moment but a bumper offer could see him on his way. Fees in the region of £37m have been mooted for the defensive midfielder, with Manchester United one of those reportedly ready to stump up the cash.

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Transfer analysis: The players set for major moves this summer

Josip Drmic

There could be a battle on Merseyside between Liverpool and Everton for this young striker. The 21-year-old is currently playing for Nürnberg in the Bundesliga, and having already scored a couple of goals for Switzerland at international level, is a rising star.

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Transfer analysis: The players set for major moves this summer

Yann M'Vila

The France international has for so long been linked with a move to the Premier League that it's almost as if he's here already. But he's not, he's in Russia with Rubin Kazan. But that might not be the case after this summer for the 23-year-old with Liverpool in particular linked with the defensive midfielder.

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Transfer analysis: The players set for major moves this summer

Fernando Torres

They might have paid £50m for him, but Torres' days at Chelsea look numbered. Jose Mourinho has done anything but offer a ringing endorsement for the Spaniard and with the Blues linked with just about every striker going, Torres should move on. Despite his problems in front of goal, there won't be a shortage of suitors. Inter Milan have been linked as have his former club Atletico Madrid.

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The renaming of the Melbourne club, founded in 2009, aligns the Australian outfit with sister teams Manchester City and New York City FC.

That announcement came from Ferran Soriano, chief executive of the clubs' parent company City Football Group, accompanied by a new badge that prominently adds sky blue to its previous red and white colour scheme.

An 80 per cent stake in the Melbourne club was acquired by Manchester City's owners, headed by Sheikh Mansour, in January.

Villa's acquisition guarantees a high profile for the team, with Soriano saying: "We are very proud to have David Villa as part of the City family and are thrilled to announce he will play for Melbourne City FC in the Hyundai A-League this season.

"The sports fans of Melbourne can look forward to seeing one of the best players in world football representing their city when David brings his rare talents to AAMI Park later this year."

Villa is looking forward to the short-term move, saying: "It's very good for me in every sense. From a football point of view it's the opportunity to play in a new league in a different country, and of course it will be ideal for me to get some competitive football in the period before the MLS season gets under way. I'm sure that playing for Melbourne City FC will be a marvellous experience."

PA

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