Chelsea to make 40 million pound bid for Villa

London, Apr 10 (ANI): Chelsea is set to make an astonishing 40 million pound bid for David Villa.

The Spainish striker is cash-strapped Valencia's prize asset and billionaire Blues owner Roman Abramovich is ready to test their resolve, The Sun reports.

Villa, 27, was four-goal top scorer in Euro 2008 as Spain lifted the trophy and has been linked with a move to Manchester City.

But Abramovich is desperate for a high profile signing this summer and is sure the lure of Champions League football will be enough to beat City in the race for Villa.

The star's contract does not expire until 2014, but reports in Spain suggested that La Liga outfit Valencia were struggling to pay their players.

Selling Villa and highly rated winger David Silva could solve their issues. (ANI)