Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is determined to win the race for Valencia ace David Villa. The Sunday Express says Ferguson, with most of the £80m from Cristiano Ronaldo's sale to Real Madrid burning a hole in his pocket, is on alert after Valencia admitted they are seeking a replacement for David Villa.

The Spanish side are heavily in debt and need to sell one of their assets. Midfielder David Silva, 23, is also a wanted man but it appears that Villa will be first out of the door.

Valencia boss Unai Emery said: "The exit of Villa will depend on us identifying a suitable replacement."

Villa has been United's top striking target ever since they lost out to Real Madrid over Lyon's Karim Benzema.

The Spaniard had said he wanted to stay in Spain but he now fancies joining United.