Valencia striker David Villa confesses to being flattered by reported interest from Chelsea, but is refusing to let it affect his preparations for the forthcoming clashes between the two clubs.
Chelsea entertain their Spanish counterparts at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday for the first leg of a UEFA Champions League quarter-final, with Villa's performance likely to be an intriguing sub-plot to proceedings.
The Spanish international has been a long-term target for the English champions and reports from Spain have suggested a substantial bid could be lodged in the summer.
Villa, though, while admitting his admiration for both Chelsea and the Premiership, refuses to let anything interfere with his concentration ahead of what is a massive two games for Valencia.
"It's a great compliment that the interest of a team as strong Chelsea is mentioned that much," said Villa to the News of the World.
"But I have a contract with Valencia and have not received any offer so I don't know if there will be a transfer in the summer.
"I am a great fan of English football but we all have contracts and it will be a question of what offers arrive in the summer."
Chelsea are favourites to book their passage to the Champions League semi-finals, but Villa is confident Valencia have the ability and tactical nous to surprise Jose Mourinho's side.
"Chelsea are strong opponents but pressure and time are on our side because people believe Chelsea are the favourites," he added.
"In Europe this season Chelsea have not had the same superiority as previous years.
"If Porto created many problems for them, so can Valencia.
"In football, money does not guarantee a winner."
used
Originally posted by turbo_drift:
"In football, money does not guarantee a winner."
x2
but villa is one of the top strikers in spain. great technical ability but his height might be one of his weakness if he does comes to england
glacer
villa is more a fast striker. he's good, but if he comes to chelsea, it will just ruin his future as a footballer.