By Ollie Irish
Freshly baked rumours suggest that Man Utd are very, very interested in signing Valencia striker David Villa this summer. Fergie even sent his brother Martin – who is also a United scout – to watch Villa play against Getafe (he scored twice) recently, with a view to preparing an offer Valencia can’t refuse in the next transfer window.
If Valencia fail to reach the Champions League this season – an unlikely scenario, admittedly, as they’re currently third in the table and going well – then Villa will surely be sold, with United at the head of a star-studded queue (Chelsea and Man City might want a sniff too). And even though the player has appeared reluctant to leave his native Spain, a serious United bid (£30m +) would force the issue. Of course, United might have to sell first (Welbeck, Owen, Berbatov?) to come up with the cash for Villa.
For my bread, Villa is the best natural striker in Spain and his arrival at Old Trafford would take a lot of the heat of Wayne Rooney, who has been something of a one-man army up front this season. Rooney/Villa would form a way more dangerous partnership than Roo/anyone else at United – all of Roo’s flicks and short passes would be ideal ammo for Villa’s quick feet.
Rumour: Mirror