Laudrup talks down Villa link

Swansea manager Michael Laudrup has denied the club are close to clinching the signing of Barcelona forward David Villa.

Laudrup, 48, enjoyed an illustrious playing career, including five years at the current Spanish league leaders between 1989 and 1994.

And since replacing Brendan Rodgers at the Swansea helm in the off-season, the Spanish influence at the club has increased, with Michu, Pablo Hernandez and Chico Flores all moving to the Liberty Stadium.

Despite Villa being repeatedly linked with a move away during the upcoming January transfer window, Laudrup has cooled talk the World Cup winner will be heading for south Wales in the near future.

“There have been a lot of rumours, but the only Villa coming to Swansea is Aston Villa,” Laudrup told reporters.

“He is a fantastic player, but unfortunately I don’t think he will be coming to Swansea.

“In fact, although I haven’t spoken to (Andoni) Zubizarreta or (Tito) Vilanova, I think he will stay at Barcelona.”

The Welsh club have settled well in their second full season in the top flight despite a managerial change and occupy ninth place in the league table, with a trip to Fulham on Saturday their next assignment.