Barcelona, Real Madrid stars battle to convince Villa

It's not only directors from Real Madrid and Barcelona who are battling to sign Valencia striker David Villa.

At an adidas promotion yesterday, Barca ace Lionel Messi and Real's Javier Saviola also backed Villa to join their respective clubs.

With the Spain striker looking sheepishly on, Messi gushed: "Without a doubt he would succeed with Barcelona. He would fit well into the team as he always scores goals."

Not to be outdone, Saviola chimed in: "I'd like to see Villa at Real Madrid. The great players have to be playing for a club like Real Madrid."