The future of FC Barcelona forward David Villa is ‘in the hands’ of the club, who are reportedly unwilling to sell the Spain international in the January transfer window, according to the 31-year-old’s agent Victor Onate.
Barcelona have publicly insisted that they will not part ways with David Villa when the transfer window re-opens, despite the emergence of Argentine-born Spain international Cristian Tello, who has bagged four goals in 11 La Liga fixtures this season.
David Villa has been linked with a move to the English Premier League in January, with Arsenal and Chelsea reportedly keen to bring the 31-year-old Spain international to London.
The Spaniard’s current contract is due to expire in a little over a year. Combine that with his recent injury woes and the fact that he is no longer considered an automatic starter at the Camp Nou, and you have a recipe for transfer speculation.
According to reports, the Catalans are not willing to negotiate a new contract, meaning that David Villa is going absolutely nowhere.
“There is always speculation about David because he is a great forward, but his future is in the hands of Barcelona,” Victor Onate told Sky Sports.
“They have a contract and it is important to always respect such documents.”
Bastos not seeking EPL move
Olympique Lyonnais winger Michel Bastos has revealed that he will be staying put at the Stade de Gerland in January amid reports that a host of Premier League clubs — including Liverpool, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur — are monitoring his current situation in France, Sky Sports understands.
Bastos, who has heavily linked with a move to Dubai over the summer, has netted five times in 10 league games for Lyon this term.
The 29-year-old Brazilian was desperate to seal a switch to the Middle East in the summer, but is now keen on staying at Lyon, having already ruled out a potential move in January.
“I don’t want to leave now. I want to stay,” Bastos told L’Equipe.
“During the winter break I will not go back to Brazil, I will stay at Lyon
to work with the fitness coach.
“In a transfer both parties have to agree. If I see that it is not good for me, I will not leave.
“At the start of the season I did ask to leave, but things have changed.
“In the summer I wasn’t disappointed not to go to Dubai. On a sporting level I would have lost a lot. I know I can still bring a lot to Lyon.”
French giants Lyon are currently tied with Paris Saint-Germain and Marseille atop the Ligue 1 table, with all three clubs on 38 points from 19 league matches.
OL will take the pitch against Épinal at the Stade de la Colombière in the Coupe de France on Sunday, 6 January. Will Michel Bastos be available to take part in the proceedings? Only time will tell.
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