Spain midfielder David Albelda's proposed transfer to Villarreal is on hold after Valencia refused to agree an out-of-court settlement for his sacking from the club.

Los Submarinos Amarillos president Fernando Roig insisted that the deal was off - for now.

"At this moment in time there is no chance of Albelda being a Villarreal player," Roig declared. "There are many reasons for this but, above all, he is still a Valencia player and, logically, if he is at another team, and he has a current contract with that club, there are no options. This is something we have already repeated.

"We, as a club, are very respectful of all players who have current contracts and with the clubs who hold their registrations."

The comments imply that Villarreal are taking the player's view on the matter, the view that - until a formal settlement is reached - Albelda is a Valencia player, as Los Che believe him to be a free agent.

The 30-year-old was - along with veteran goalkeeper Santiago Canizares and winger Miguel Angel Angulo - blamed by new coach Ronald Koeman for the club's problems, with all three internationals unceremoniously dumped from the squad and told that they would never play for them again.

The then-Valencia captain, who spent his entire career at the club apart from a loan spell with nearby Villarreal, was free to find a new club but as a matter of principle demanded an explanation for the sacking and settlement of his contract, accusing the club of trying to exploit the upcoming European Championships, predicting he would immediately join a new team to ensure selection for Spain.

Valencia were fourth-placed at the time of the panic-sacking of Quique Sanchez Flores following three defeats in four October matches, but since Koeman took over have slipped to mid-table with only three wins in 14 Liga matches.

Albelda has also been linked with a move to Premier League club and Carling Cup champions Tottenham, where he would link up with manager and compatriot Juande Ramos.

Reda Maher / Eurosport