In-demand Spain star Villa ‘not for sale’ says Valencia chief

VALENCIA have slapped a ‘not for sale’ sign on star striker David Villa following months of speculation the Spain international was on his way out of the club.

Clubs such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United and Chelsea had all been linked with Villa as financially-troubled Valencia seemed poised to cash in on their prize asset.

Los Che president Manuel Llorente even admitted in midweek that although there were no offers on the table at that point, they had held talks with Madrid while other teams, including Barca, had asked about the player’s situation.

However, Valencia have now decided to take the prolific hitman off the market, and will only consider selling if they receive an “amazing offer”.

“We have taken the decision to not sell David Villa. We’ve taken this decision after some days of thought in which we studied the advantages and disadvantages,” Llorente said last night.

“We think David Villa is the best striker in Europe and we have the fortune to have him in our team and we are going to fight to keep him.”

Llorente insists the move is not a ploy either, saying: “It’s not a strategy, but to avoid all the rumours. Because they affect Valencia, the media and the player.

“We have to be calm and think about the project. When we talked of selling it was because we thought that some players could bring in a lot of money, like Villa. But it’s not been like that.”

Llorente did admit though that the decision taken by Valencia does not necessarily guarantee Villa will still be at the Mestalla next season.

“I cannot say that because there could arrive an amazing offer,” he added.