---
title: "Norwich target Ontiveros closing in on Villarreal switch"
canonical: "https://readnorwich.com/2019/07/13/norwich-target-ontiveros-closing-in-on-villarreal-switch/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Daniel Emery"
section: "News"
published: "2019-07-13T15:15:06Z"
modified: "2019-07-13T15:15:08Z"
---

# Norwich target Ontiveros closing in on Villarreal switch

Norwich City transfer target Javier Ontiveros has agreed terms with La Liga outfit Villarreal ahead of a move to the club.

[According to Spanish outlet Marca](https://www.marca.com/futbol/villarreal/2019/07/12/5d282a48e2704e384d8b45b1.html), Ontiveros has already accepted a contract from Villarreal and is closing in on a €7.5m switch from Malaga.

The report claims that Ontiveros is delighted to be joining Villarreal, despite strong links to the Premier League.

Norwich were [reportedly](https://readnorwich.com/2019/07/09/norwich-interested-in-signing-malaga-star-ontiveros/) leading the race to sign the forward, with Crystal Palace and Sheffield United also thought to be interested.

![David Ramos/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readnorwich.com/readnorwich/2019/07/627692214.jpg)

However, they now look set to miss out to Villarreal – who recently sold highly-rated Spain under-21 international Pablo Fornals to West Ham.

The 21-year-old, Ontiveros, managed three assists in 20 league appearances for Malaga last season – in the second tier of Spanish football.

The Canaries have made three signings so far this summer, with Patrick Roberts and Ralf Fahrmann joining on loan, and Josip Drmic arriving on a free transfer from Borussia Monchengladbach.