David Villa could save cash-strapped Valencia

Spain’s Euro 2008 golden boot winner David Villa has become Spanish football’s most-wanted man and cash-strapped Valencia may be forced to sell their highly-prized asset in the summer.

Villa, 27, made history when he became the first Spanish player to score in six successive internationals following his goal in Wednesday’s 2-0 friendly win over England.

“It gives me enormous pleasure to have scored again and to know that I’ve achieved something that nobody else has done,” said Villa

“But, as I always say, the most important thing is that my goals help the team and that we continue the way we have been going.

“It’s not necessarily straightforward to score (at international level), but in a team like this, with this quality, you know that you are not going to be lacking in opportunities.”

Former Spanish internationals Telmo Zarra and Ladislao Kubala had scored in five successive internationals, but Villa was the first to score in six.

Spain are unbeaten in 29 games, incredibly winning 27 of them, and Villa now has a strike rate of 25 goals in 42 internationals.

While Spain rely on Villa, Valencia are even more dependent on the prolific target-man who has scored 18 out of their 43 league goals this season.

Villa was hot property in the summer after firing Spain to Euro 2008 glory – with the tabloids labelling him ‘maravilla’ which translates as ‘wonder’.

After missing out on Manchester United winger Ronaldo, Spanish champions Real offered a reported 45 million euros for him, but Valencia didn’t want to do business and the striker signed a contract extension until 2014.

“The club wanted to keep me and I feel comfortable here so it is all fine,” Villa explained at the time.

However, Valencia’s financial problems are well known and the club may choose to cash-in or alternatively sell his Spanish international team-mate David Silva.

At 27, Villa could also feel the time is right especially with Valencia, currently 22 points behind Barcelona, looking far from title challengers.

Real, Barcelona, Liverpool and Arsenal have all been mentioned as potential suitors for the former Real Zaragoza man.

“I think I’m made to succeed in England,” Villa has been quoted as saying. “However, of course it is one thing saying it and quite another getting there and then doing it.”