Villa will refuse Manchester City move insists agent

(GETTY IMAGES)

The agent of Valencia striker David Villa has told Manchester City that they have no chance of signing his client.

The 27-year-old Spain international is expected to be sold off by his current club to try and cover some off their massive debts, but Jose Luis Tamargo says Villa is determined to stay in his homeland.

He told El Mundo Deportivo: "My client does not want to leave Spain, he was very clear on that.

"I do not know what kind of contacts or talks Valencia have had with Manchester City, or if there has been any agreement yet, but my client's future will remain in Spain, not abroad.

"It is not a question of money."

Meanwhile, Barcelona playmaker Xavi is unconcerned by Real Madrid's belated challenge for the La Liga title.

Barca's recent blip coincided with Real's winning run, but last weekend's results helped the Catalan giants regain the initiative as they moved six points clear at the top of the table.

Xavi insisted: "Madrid do not worry us much, we depend on ourselves. We are in good form and we want to take advantage of that.

"They could drop points as well. We will see, because anything can happen and they have a difficult game.

"Football is about hard work. It is very difficult to maintain a great run, but we have bounced back after our dip and are now looking at all three trophies again.

"Everyone prefers to be complimented rather than criticised, but we have to be prudent as we have not yet won anything."

In other news, Osasuna's battle to avoid relegation has suffered a setback after it was confirmed that Walter Pandiani will play no more football in March after suffering an injury in training.

The former Birmingham City forward will be sidelined for three weeks after pulling a muscle in his left leg.

He will undergo physiotherapy for a week and is expected to miss the key matches against Real Betis, Espanyol and Atletico Madrid.

Pandiani's recent return to form had coincided with Osasuna's move off the foot of the table.

He has scored six goals so far this term and played his part in the club's recent six-match unbeaten run which finally came to an end with last weekend's home defeat to Sporting Gijon.