Striker wants out of Barcelona

We at the Football Transfer Tavern hear more about David Villa than we do most other subjects and today Marca have leaked the news that the player has asked to leave Barcelona.

Villa has been increasingly unhappy at Barcelona and now wishes to leave the club in order to play first team football. The problem is that Barcelona are unwilling to let the player leave on loan and value Villa at around £16 million.

If Barcelona did agree to let Villa – who has no shortage of suitors – go, it would leave them with only one recognised forward and that is something Vilanova is not willing to risk. With a host of clubs interested in the player, including both Arsenal and Liverpool, it looks like only being a matter of time before the striker is allowed to leave the club.

Amidst rumours of tension between Lionel Messi and Villa not to mention ‘The Kid’ being increasingly frustrated with his lack of playing time, it looks like being an unhappy New Year for the striker unless a club comes in with an offer Barca cannot turn down.

Our landlord points out that Liverpool did make a loan bid for Villa which was rejected and it remains to be seen whether anyone will match Barca’s demands for the player this January transfer window.

Do you think Villa will get his wish and leave the Camp Nou this month? Vote in our polls below.