Man City baulk at Villa price tag

Moneybags Manchester City have revealed they baulked at the transfer fee of Valencia ace David Villa after Mark Hughes made an enquiry earlier in the season.

The Premier League outfit owned by the wealthy Abu Dhabi United Group have already splashed out a British transfer record £32.5million for Robinho and Spain striker Villa has risen to the top of their target list.



Primera Liga side Valencia have revealed the two clubs had met before Christmas regarding a possible deal for Villa, but that City did not make an offer.



"There was interest shown just before Christmas," said City boss Hughes



"Basically, we went to them with a view to ask about certain players.



"We were told the prices of certain players and we walked away.



"Obviously, a question has been asked to people at Valencia, 'Has there been contact with Manchester City?'



"Yes, there was, but it was some months ago and it hasn't been revisited since then."



With the transfer window now slammed shut there will be no move for Villa, but a sure bet is that City will make further enquiries about Villa and his team-mate David Silva at the end of the season.