Valencia ace David Villa remains a big-money target for Manchester United. The Mirror says United chief Sir Alex Ferguson sent brother Martin - his top European scout - to watch Villa net twice against Getafe as the Old Trafford club updated their dossier on the superstar.

Ferguson wanted Villa last summer but his £45 million price tag put the deal off. However Dimitar Berbatov's indifferent form has left the door open for a top-flight striker to join for next season.

Villa could be open to offers if Valencia fail to reach the Champions League and decide to cash in. For all of their troubles the decision to keep him has paid off this season.