Villa valuation set to soar

Spanish striker set to spark bidding war

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 12th June 2008

David Villa Spain goal Euro 2008 Russia

Villa: Hat-trick hero

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Valencia director Juan Sanchez admits that David Villa's price tag will rise with every goal he scores at Euro 2008.

The Spanish hit-man grabbed a hat-trick during his country's 4-1 demolition of Russia in their opening Euro 2008 fixture on Tuesday.

His explosive start to the tournament has once again seen him linked with a host of Europe's top clubs, with Chelsea and Barcelona thought to be leading the race for his signature.

He looks destined to leave Los Che this summer, as the Primera Liga side's financial worries dictate that they will be required to reluctantly part with their biggest assets.

Villa certainly tops the list in the Mestalla sale and new Valencia boss Unai Emery can expect a busy close season as he sets about reshuffling his pack.

His star striker was expected to fetch in the region of around £17million, but that figure could rocket if he continues his electric form at the European Championship.

His current employers are prepared to sit out a bidding war, with Sanchez revealing that the club will bide their time before deciding on the player's true worth.

Future

"He has a contract and is having a great Euro," the Spanish director said in The Sun.

"We are calm and we hope he will continue to score many goals. You never know what will happen if we get offers.

"It's not a question of putting a price on him.

"What will come in the future will be assessed then."

It remains to be seen whether Chelsea's interest will continue following the announcement that Luiz Felipe Scolari is set to become their new boss, while Barca are prepared to use the money generated by the sale of Samuel Eto'o to fund any move for Villa.

However, despite the growing speculation surrounding his future, the talented forward is refusing to be drawn on the issue until after Euro 2008.

"I'm not going to speak about my future until after the Championships," he insisted.