Chelsea have reportedly had an offer for Valencia striker David Villa rejected by the Primera Division side.

The Observer claims that the Premier League club offered Valencia €50m (£44m) for their striker, but that the Spanish outfit rejected the offer two weeks’ ago.

Villa remains one of the hottest properties on the continent, after his goalscoring displays in La Liga and last season’s Euro 2008 tournament attracted a host of top clubs.

Valencia’s dire financial situation also means that they may be forced to sell a number of their top players this summer with David Villa top of the list.

Both Real Madrid and Barcelona have long been linked with a move for the 27-year-old, but other sides such as Juventus, Atletico Madrid, Liverpool and Manchester City have also been identified as potential suitors.

Chelsea have also been heavily linked with the Spain international, although it looks now as if they will have to up their offer if they are to secure his signature.

The Observer suggests that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is the driving force behind the Blues’ desire to sign the player, although it does not reveal whether the Stamford Bridge side are willing to return with an improved offer.

The paper does, however, state that Valencia have spoken to Manchester City with regards to a possible transfer for Villa but were informed that Mark Hughes’ side were not currently interested in signing the Spanish international.