Valencia have won the chase to sign Empoli hot shot Francesco Tavano.

The Italian striker had been linked with a string of clubs across Europe, and was even mooted as a target for Premiership teams.

Newcastle United and Portsmouth were both credited with an interest, while speculation about his future has intensified in recent days.

Spanish outfit Valencia managed to put together a persuasive case and have secured Tavano on a four-year contract.

No details of the fee have been divulged and Tavano could link up in attack with fellow summer recruit Fernando Morientes.

During his time at Empoli, the 27-year-old proved to be a regular scorer and netted 19 times in Serie A last season.

He will look to transfer that form to La Liga after accepting the chance to play for a major continental club.

Do you think Tavano and Villa will strike up a good partnership in La Liga next season?

This is an excellent move by Valencia. Yes he will make a pretty good partnership with Villa and there is also Fernando Morientes who is not as good as he once was, but has experience and know how. This signing of Francesco Tavano is a surprise, but an excellent one.


I thought Valencia would struggle this season, but maybe not. I think they have the squad to challenge Barcelona now. If Valencia starts well, they have a good shot IMO.

And they wanna sign Joaquin too.
Valencia is doing a good team this year. But I think Morientes is the perfect partner for Villa in the spanish league.

I don't know who's Tavano, but the ideal partnership is Villa & Morientes. Morientes heading to Villa and Villa finishing, there is a lot of goals there.

The addition of Tavano and Morientes provide Valencia with more attacking options. Its going to be a great season and Valencia may just have the squad to challenge Barcelona this year.

They've got a very good squad this year.

Could challenge for league.