David Villa denies Liverpool link as he concentrates on Euro 2008

Jun 18 2008 by Nick Smith, Liverpool Daily Post

DAVID VILLA has moved swiftly to stamp on any speculation linking him with Liverpool.

The Spaniard leads the Euro 2008 goalcharts with four in two games and has struck up a fearsome strike duo with Liverpool’s Fernando Torres.

Rafael Benitez has shown an interest in Villa in the past but with his stock rising after his performances in Austria, it’s unlikely the Anfield manager’s budget would stretch to transferring the Spanish striking partnership to club level.

“I have heard that I am supposed to have said that I would prefer to go to Liverpool to play next season or that I want Chelsea to be my next team,” Villa said on speculation he is bound for the Premier League.

“I have not said anything like that. My club insists I am not for sale and, believe me, I am totally focused on the European Championship.

“As far as I know, nobody from Liverpool has been in touch, but in any case my future is not something I have in my mind at the moment. I do not understand why people put words in my mouth.

“I always say the same thing, nobody from Valencia has told me that I am for sale. In any case, I am not at all worried about that at the moment.

“My priority, for now, is to play well in Euro 2008.”

Valencia’s failure to secure Champions League football for next season – they qualified for the UEFA Cup by winning the Copa del Rey – has further fuelled reports that Villa wants to leave the Mestalla.