Villarreal have swooped for Real Zaragoza striker Ikechukwu Uche - and immediately loaned him to Granada.

The 27-year-old Uche started his career in Spain at Racing Ferrol before moving onto Recreativo Huelva and Getafe, who he joined Zaragoza from in 2009. Uche has played 29 games for Nigeria, scoring 11 goals.

A statement on the Villarreal website read: "Villarreal and Real Zaragoza have reached an agreement for the transfer of Ikechukwu Uche, who has committed himself to the club for the next four years.

"After the agreement, Villarreal have decided that the striker will play on loan during the 2011-12 season at Granada."

Granada were promoted from the Segunda Division last season.