Valencia prepare for Villa exit

Los Che start replacement search

By Francisco Acedo   Last updated: 27th November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Valencia prepare for Villa exit

Villa: Wanted man

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Valencia appear to have resigned themselves to the fact that David Villa will soon be leaving the club.

The Spain international is regarded as one of the hottest properties in Europe, with his future open to debate whenever a transfer window is approaching.

Needless to say, with January edging ever closer, the striker has once again been linked with a host of clubs over recent weeks.

He was reported to have come close to joining Real Madrid over the summer, and Los Blancos remain keen, while Barcelona, Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City are also believed to hold an interest.

Valencia have, until now, maintained that their talismanic frontman is not for sale, but they could be about to relax that stance.

Coach Unai Emery is keen to retain Villa's services for as along as possible, but admits the club could be tempted into parting with the 27-year-old if they are able to bring in a player of similar calibre.

"The exit of Villa will be dependant on us identifying a suitable replacement," he said.

Mission

"At the moment the club is working on that, but any decision will not rest with me.

"My mission is to prepare the squad for the present and not think too much about the future.

"Valencia will always be a big club and we do not depend on just one or two players."

Meanwhile, Emery has also warned Portuguese full-back Miguel that he needs to raise his game if he is to have a future at Mestalla.

"The decision is in Miguel Brito's hands," he said.

"The only demand I make on my players is that they are fully focused on their football.

"The team needs Miguel, but until now if he has been giving 60 per cent and I need him to raise that to 100 per cent."