CHELSEA have been invited to make a bid for David Villa by Valencia president Juan Soler. But the Spanish club are set to hold out for £45million of Roman Abramovich’s fortune. Blues boss Jose Mourinho wants Villa, 25, for his assault on the Champions League next season — and Soler admits he is ready to open transfer talks for the Spain striker.He said: “If offers that have been talked about exist I want to see them. “And if they’re definite we can sit down in the summer. If I sell Villa it will be because they are willing to pay what we want for the player. “If they don’t pay then he is under contract for six years.”
Villa earns £55,000-a-week at Valencia but expects to double his wages at Stamford Bridge. Real Madrid and Barcelona are also tracking the ace and Liverpool sent chief scout Eduardo Macia to Valencia at the weekend for informal talks.
Villa’s agent Jose Luis Tamargo said: “David is happy at Valencia but like everyone he wants to improve. “His transfer clause is £100m. Valencia won’t sell for £40m but for £47m maybe they will.”