Sevilla sign Alexis, Valencia lose Soldado
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
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Sevilla FC are to sign versatile defender Alexis from Liga rivals Valencia CF, who may be without forward Roberto Soldado for the start of their UEFA Champions League campaign.
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Sevilla FC have agreed terms with Valencia CF for the purchase of versatile defender Alexis who will move to the Andalusian club for a reported €5m.
The 25-year-old is expected to attend Sevilla's UEFA Champions League play-off second leg against SC Braga tonight with a view to signing a five-year contract with Antonio Álvarez's side, subject to a medical. A UEFA European Under-19 Championship winner with Spain in 2004, Alexis scored twice in 62 league games for Valencia, whom he joined from Getafe CF in 2007. The Malaga-born player also featured in the Mestalla team's 2007/08 Copa del Rey triumph, finding the net against Getafe in the final.
Meanwhile, Valencia are likely to be without Roberto Soldado for the start of their UEFA Champions League group-stage campaign after the 25-year-old forward, newly arrived from Getafe, tore a groin muscle during a weekend friendly against US Lecce. The former Real Madrid CF trainee, who hit 29 goals in 60 Liga appearances for Getafe, said: "I'm a bit upset as I was looking forward to the start of the season."
Valencia, who begin their top-flight programme with a trip to Málaga CF on Saturday, learn their group-stage fate at Thursday's draw in Monaco.
