• Premier League

Romeu excited by Villa-to-Chelsea reports

ESPN staff
December 28, 2012
David Villa would join an already hefty contingent of Spanish internationals if he moved to Chelsea © Getty Images
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Chelsea midfielder Oriol Romeu has welcomed speculation linking Barcelona striker David Villa with a move to Stamford Bridge.

Villa, 31, has been used sparingly by Barca after returning from long-term injury and has been the subject of reported interest from a number of clubs including Chelsea where Spanish internationals Romeu, Juan Mata and Fernando Torres already ply their trade.

Sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta insisted a deal to take Villa away from the Nou Camp is not imminent, claiming Barcelona don't sell their best players halfway through a season. But Romeu, who joined Chelsea from Barcelona in 2011 is keen for Villa to make the move next.

"I don't know what Villa's situation is, but if a great player like him comes, the record goalscorer with the national team, he would be welcomed and we would be happy," Romeu, who earlier this month underwent surgery on a serious knee injury, was quoted as telling Spanish radio show Esports Cope.

Andres Iniesta said he wasn't aware of Villa's situation but urged the striker to stay put, telling reporters: "I don't know if there's a chance (he could leave), I don't think so, although for me personally I wouldn't like it if he did, because Villa is a vital player."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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