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."