Tottenham have enquired about the availability of Barcelona striker David Villa as they attempt to sign the prolific Spanish striker during the January transfer window.

Spanish newspaper El Confidencial has reported that Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has contacted his Barcelona counterpart Sandro Rossell in order to ascertain whether they would be prepared to sell the striker this month.

David Villa
David Villa has had limited opportunities in the first team under Tito Vilanova [Reuters]

Villa has found himself on the bench for the majority of important games this season as manager Tito Vilanova has handed him just six starts in the league, even though he is now back to full fitness after missing much of last season through injury.

The 31-year-old has started just one Champions League game, the draw with Benfica that took place after Barcelona had secured top spot in the group, and is clearly out of favour under Villanova's regime.

However, the Spanish publication has reported that Barcelona would prefer to keep Villa at the club until the end of the season as they believe he could still have a major impact as they look to win La Liga, the Champions League and the Copa Del Rey.

Barcelona have enjoyed a sensational start to the season and sit comfortably at the top of the league after winning 16 and drawing just one of their 17 league games. They are already nine points clear of Atletico Madrid in second, while Real are a staggering 16 points behind.

This has all been achieved with Villa playing a bit-part role and it seems Tottenham are hoping to take advantage by offering him a route out of the club this month.

Tottenham have just two senior strikers at the club and while Jermain Defoe has been in excellent goal-scoring form, Emmanuel Adebayor has scored just twice this season.

Villa would certainly be an impressive option for Villas-Boas as he is Spain's all-time leading goalscorer with 53 goals and has won just about everything for both club and country.

El Confidencial believes Barcelona have already received approaches from Chelsea and Liverpool, but will not consider the approach from Tottenham and decide whether it is better to sell now or in the summer.