Valencia want to keep Spanish stars Villa and Silva

Valencia vice-president Fernando Gomez said Thursday that the financially troubled Spanish club would do everything it can to keep their star players David Villa and David Silva.

“That is our priority. We have officially communicated to their representatives that this is our desire,” he told news radio Cadena Ser.

“Our intention is to ensure that they stay. I think next week we will be able to talk about this with more details,” he added.

Spanish media have reported that the club was considering selling one or both Spanish internationals in order to balance its books.

Gomez confirmed that the Spanish side had received a “reasonable” offer from Italian side Roma for Silva but had ruled it out.

Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Liverpool and Real Madrid are among the other sides reportedly interested in Silva and Villa, the top scorer at Euro 2008 which was won by Spain.

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.