Barca's Offer For Villa Rejected

Barcelona might have already won La Liga according to some commentators, but the Catalan side still seem intent on strengthening their team.

According to Marca the club are chasing Valencia striker David Villa and had a €35 million offer rejected for him today.

The paper reports that Barcelona have been in contact with president Vicente Soriano, but have seen the initial offer rejected, with further news that they will not even negotiate for anything below €40 million.

'El Guaje' has become one of the most highly-rated forwards in Spain at Valencia and it is no surprise that Barcelona want to add his talents to their front-line.

However, Valencia are known to be reluctant to sell their star player and any offer that sees him leave would have to be substantial.

Besides his talent and skill, another reason that Barcelona apparently want to sign him is to put some pressure on Samuel Eto'o to sign a new contract.

The Cameroonian seems adamant that he will not sign until next summer, when he will have just a year left on his deal, but should Villa join that could well change.

Along with that factor they would also have the knowledge that they have taken a target away from Real Madrid, who tried to sign him in the summer but were rejected.

Los Blancos reportedly offered slightly over the €40 million mark, so if Barcelona are serious about adding Villa to their armoury, they may well make him their only signing this winter.

James Walker-Roberts, Goal.com