Barca deny Villa exit talk

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Barcelona director of football Andoni Zubizarreta has rejected reports linking David Villa with a move away from Camp Nou in January.

Villa has been linked with a possible move to England with Arsenal thought to be keen on signing the Spanish international.

Villa, who missed six months of last season with a broken leg, has struggled to hold down a regular place in the Barca side since his return from injury fuelling talk of a move away when the transfer window reopens next month.

Zubizarreta insists they have no plans to offload Villa and that he remains a key part of their plans.

"In January we will keep Villa and it is important to remember that Barcelona is a club that habitually does not accept offers for star players in Janaury," Zubizarreta told Canal Plus.

"David is a player that brings goals and intensity to the team.

"Now he has recovered from a serious injury I believe that he is offering a good level on the field.

"It is normal that big players desire to play and this is perfect for the competition in the squad."