Iniesta: Villa is a key player for Barcelona

Dec 28, 2012 2:35:00 AM

The Blaugrana striker has been linked with a move to the Premier League in the January transfer window, but the Ballon d'Or candidate hopes that his team-mate remains at Camp Nou

Andres Iniesta has called for Barcelona to keep hold of "key player" David Villa in the January transfer window.

The Spain international has been linked with a move to the Premier League at the turn of 2013, with Chelsea mentioned as a possible destination for the ex-Valencia star.

However, Iniesta believes that Villa is important to the Blaugrana succeeding this season and hopes that he remains at Camp Nou.

"I don't know if that's a possibility," he told reporters, when asked about the sale of Villa in January at a ceremony to celebrate the renaming of Albacete's training ground after him.

"I don't think [it will happen]. Personally I wouldn't like it, because Villa is a key player."

Barca currently sit top of La Liga having forged an intimidating 16-point lead over their perennial rivals Real Madrid.

And despite Tito Vilanova side's dominance, Villa has been unable to break into the first-team and has been limited to appearances off the bench since returning from injury at the start of the campaign.

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