Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich will test Valencia's resolve with a £40 million bid for striker David Villa.

The Sun Villa, 27, was four-goal top scorer in Euro 2008 as Spain lifted the trophy and has been linked with a move to Manchester City.

But Abramovich is desperate for a high-profile signing this summer and is sure the lure of Champions League football will be enough to beat City in the race for Villa.

The star's contract does not expire until 2014 but reports in Spain suggested that La Liga outfit Valencia were struggling to pay their players.