Financial trouble may force Valencia to sell stars

Valencia are considering selling some of their star players, including strikers David Villa who was the top scorer at Euro 2008 and David Silva, to balance the books, Spanish media reported Monday.

The club have been forced into off-loading key players because they have been unable to carry out a much-needed capital increase, sports daily Marca and regional daily Las Provincias reported.

Valencia are in financial trouble due to a poor season, a huge payoff to their previous coach and the fact that they failed to make the lucrative Champions League for next season.

The club won the Spanish league in 2002 and 2004 but finished in 10th place last season in La Liga, 34 points behind the winners Real Madrid but will take part in the UEFA Cup next season since they won the Spanish Cup.

Spanish media believe Villa could be sold for 40 million euros (63.5 million dollars). The 26-year-old scored four times during Euro 2008 which was won by Spain and has been eyed by Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Silva, 22, also shined during the European football finals and has sparked interest from Real Madrid's cross-town rivals Atletico Madrid.