Valencia ready to rebuff striker offers

Valencia have told Chelsea they have no intention of selling David Villa as speculation continues about the Spanish striker's future.

Villa is rated in the £31million-bracket after emerging as one of the stars of this month's European Championships and has so far scored four goals for his country at Euro 2008.

Chelsea, Liverpool, Real Madrid and Barcelona have all been linked with moves for the striker, while Valencia team-mate David Silva's performances have also won him a growing group of admirers but Valencia president Agustin Morera plans to withstand any interest in his players.

Morera told reporters: "Our intention is to avoid the departures of our big stars, even if other big clubs want to sign them. We know there is interest from many clubs, but our stance is to reject any offers and begin the new season with all the players."

Valencia's technical secretary Juan Sanchez is also confident that predatory striker Villa will still be at the Mestalla when the transfer window closes.

"I have the feeling that, ultimately, he is going to still be here," Sanchez told AS: "Really.

"A lot has been said about him, but that is normal with such a great player and with what he is doing in the Euros."