The Mirror says United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has been tracking the Spanish duo for some time, but failed to agree on a deal in the summer.
Fergie is now prepared to splash a large sum of the £80million he gor when he sold Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid.
Reports suggest Fergie is preparing a £40million deal for the pair.
Valencia club director Fernando Gomez told Spanish TV last night: “The club made a great effort to keep our players this summer but our economic situation remains very serious.
“It was a success to keep them, but there comes a point when you can’t stand it anymore. We may have to sell Villa.”