Villarreal have rejected an offer from Manchester City for striker Giuseppe Rossi, according to reports in Spain.

The 22-year-old has a €40million release clause in his contract and it is believed that City's bid came well below that valuation.

The Italy international arrived in Spain from City's neighbours Manchester United in the summer of 2007 and it is said that should Villarreal wish to sell the Premier League champions have first option on the player.

The diminutive forward was highly rated at Old Trafford and that has been backed up by some impressive performances for the Spaniards over the past two seasons.

Rossi's agent Federico Pastorello, however, believes the striker is almost certain to remain at El Madrigal next term.

"Nobody has offered the going price and I am 99 per cent certain the player will be with Villarreal next season," he said. "Rossi is happy in Villarreal and would only consider leaving for one of Europe's six big clubs."