Semedo set to snub Premier League for La Liga, confirms agent

Joe Wright

Semedo set to snub Premier League for La Liga, confirms agent image

Sporting CP star Ruben Semedo has decided on a move to La Liga, the player's agent has confirmed.

The 23-year-old has been heavily linked with Villarreal and Premier League sides Newcastle United and Southampton in recent weeks.

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It was reported in England and Portugal that Newcastle were firm favourites to sign the centre-back in a £15million deal, but grew frustrated with Sporting's demands for a significant sell-on clause.

Although he did not name Villarreal as the destination, his representative has now claimed that Semedo has his heart set on a move to Spain's top flight.

"We're about to confirm the transfer of Ruben Semedo. I confirm [it is] to Spain. We're hoping to close the deal today [Tuesday]," the player's agent, Catio Balde, told TSF.

"Ruben has been met with several possibilities. The clubs are going to meet what Sporting want. It was in Spain that we found the best option.

"Until this moment, I couldn't confirm anything conclusively. He's on the right track."

Semedo made 24 league appearances in 2016-17 as Sporting finished third in the table, behind Porto and champions Benfica.

Joe Wright

Joe Wright Photo

Joe is a Senior Editor at Sporting News. He was previously a sub editor and writer for Goal.com before spending six years as part of the Stats Perform editorial news service, covering major global sports including football, tennis, boxing, NBA, rugby union and athletics. Joe has reported live on some of the biggest games in football, including two UEFA Champions League finals, Euro 2016, the Confederations Cup 2017 and the 2018 World Cup final at the end of a month in Russia.