Manchester City are keeping their hand in today over a potential deal for Barcelona striker David Villa.

Villa has also been linked with Arsenal as he seeks a move from the Nou Camp today.

The Guardian says City sent out a denial regarding a Villa story that had appeared on Wednesday which was strong enough to leave little wriggle room should he be signed.

tribalfootball.com can reveal City football chief Txiki Begiristain was in Barcelona yesterday to watch an international junior tournament.