Digging around the rumor mill, some interesting news regarding Spanish international and current Atletico Madrid forward David Villa has surfaced.

Turns out Villa could be heading to Major League Soccer this summer, as Atletico continue to stall on a new contract extension for the 32-year-old former Valencia and FC Barcelona striker, who still has two years left on his initial deal after arriving at the Vicente Calderon last summer.

Villa, the Spanish national team’s all-time leading goalscorer, has shaken off several injury-plagued campaigns to fire in 13 goals in 26 games for Atletico this season but, according to reports, his manager Diego Simeone is willing to let Villa leave after the season ends.

ALL THE LATEST MLS NEWS

These reports surface from Spanish publication Marca, and have cropped up elsewhere, but do be warned, in MLS circles such stories are taken with a hefty pinch of salt. As is often the case with aging, yet hugely talented, superstars in Europe, Villa has been linked with MLS almost by association with this glittering career entering its twilight. Let’s see if any of the ‘number of MLS clubs interested’ are actually ready to stump up big Designated Player cash for Villa, before we get too excited.

Will this move ever come off? Who knows. But then again, look at the likes of Jermain Defoe, Robbie Keane and Obafemi Martins. Rumors about those three predatory strikers persisted for months before their moves to MLS came off. What I do know, is that if Villa does make the switch to MLS, he would be a sensation.

The diminutive forward will likely play an important role for Spain in this summer’s World Cup, as they look to retain their title from 2010 when Villa scored five goals and was the tournament’s top scorer. With his future seemingly unresolved, could New York City FC or the re-branded Chivas USA franchise be a potential home for Villa after this summer? Let’s wait and see what happens, as Spain’s leading marksmen, apparently, contemplates a move Stateside.

Follow @JPW_NBCSports