United make Villa move
by Francisco Acedo
Manchester United have made a move to sign Real Zaragoza striker David Villa, according to the player's agent.
United are believed to have made their interest known to Zaragoza and are ready to rival Valencia for his signature.
Valencia have been in talks with Real Zaragoza for Villa for the last few days and are keen to bring him to La Mestalla.
Real Zaragoza are resigned to losing Villa due to their financial problems, but they are insistent that he will not be sold on the cheap.
Villa's release clause stands at €12 million and although Valencia are only offering €9 million Zaragoza are determined to get every penny for the striker.
Villa is regarded as one of the best young strikers in Spain and he was strongly linked with a move to Liverpool last January before they signed Fernando Morientes.
The 23-year-old enjoyed a productive season with Zaragoza last term netting 18 goals and breaking into the national team set-up.
His performances appear to have caught the eye of United boss Sir Alex Ferguson and he is hoping to lure him to Old Trafford.
News of United's interest in Villa comes as something of a surprise as they have an abundance of attacking talent already at Old Trafford with the likes of Wayne Rooney, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Alan Smith and Louis Saha all battling it out for places in the side.
However, it appears that Valencia are firm favourites to clinch Villa's signature with the player thought to be keen on staying in Spain at this stage of his career.
Villa's agent Jose Luis Tamargo has confirmed United's interest and admitted Villa is ready to snub a lucrative contract on offer from United to stay in Spain.
"The player is ready to accept less money to stay in La Liga," said Tamargo.