Source: Manchester_EveningNews
Villa 'not for sale'
VALENCIA have issued a second `hands-off' warning to United who are still pursuing their quest to land Spanish international, David Villa. La Liga superpowers Barcelona and Real Madrid plus United and Liverpool have all been linked with the 27-year-old goal-machine. And Villa's arrival with Valencia for tomorrow's game against the Premier League champions at Old Trafford plus Saturday's match at Arsenal will increase speculation of a move to England. Indeed, some reports suggest United will offer £25m for the prized Spanish striker before their only pre-season game at Old Trafford. However, the stubborn former Champions League finalists have described the ex Real Zaragoza forward, as "priceless." And manager Unai Emery insists: "Valencia want to keep David, but he also wants to stay with us. "Barcelona and Real Madrid have already shown an interest in him but David decided to come back to us. That was an unbelievable feeling for the club and we don't believe he will change for United or Liverpool. "He is willing to play for us and everything else is just speculation." Last week president Manuel Lorente declared: "The club is not interested in selling this player. "We have not received any formal offers and it is not in our plans to consider David's exit. Wanted "There is still one month left until the transfer window closes, but our decision on this subject will not change." Villa, Valencia's top scorer for the past four seasons, is wanted by Liverpool to partner Fernando Torres. And that Spanish connection might just tip the balance Liverpool's way in the event of a successful bidding war. United have also been linked with another Valencia favourite, David Silva, and Sir Alex Ferguson will be keeping a close watch on the opposition as well as his own side. United return to action tomorrow just six days after ending their globe-trotting to Asia and Germany. But the match may come too soon for injured defenders, Gary Neville, Wes Brown and Nemanja Vidic, especially with Sunday's FA Community Shield against Chelsea at Wembley on the horizon. United still have tickets available for the friendly with adults tickets from £15 and all juniors £5. Kick-off is 8pm. The sides have met six times previously with Old Trafford hosting the last match in 2001 - a Champions League 1-1 draw. UNITED'S 2-1 Milk Cup final success over Sheffield United could be a stepping stone to a future first team career, says Under 18s boss, Paul McGuinness. Federico Macheda scored six goals in last season's competition and McGuinness says: "The examples are there in front of their own eyes - Macheda and Welbeck have both done well. But not only them. You've got Jonny Evans and Darron Gibson and a host of other young players working their way through towards the first-team." UNITED reserves travel to Altrincham tonight with a 7.45pm kick-off. Admission is free for Robins' season ticket holders plus £7 for adults and £2 for concessions.
