Villa a ´key player´, says Iniesta

Barcelona star Andres Iniesta has called for his club to keep hold of ‘key player’ David Villa in the January transfer window.

The Spain international has been linked with a move to the English Premier League at the turn of 2013, with Chelsea mentioned as a possible destination for the ex-Valencia star.

However, Iniesta believes that Villa is important to Barca’s chances of succeeding this season and hopes he remains at Camp Nou.

“I don’t know if that’s a possibility,” he told reporters when asked about the sale of Villa in January.

“I don’t think (it will happen). Personally I wouldn’t like it, because Villa is a key player.”

Barca sit top of La Liga having forged an intimidating 16-point lead over their perennial rivals Real Madrid.

And despite their dominance, Villa has been unable to break into the first-team and has been limited to appearances off the bench since returning from injury at the start of the campaign.