Manchester United are ready to clinch a £17million deal for Wigan winger Luis Antonio Valencia in the next few days.
Boss Sir Alex Ferguson has given the thumbs-up to bid for the Ecuador star and United are confident that rivals Real Madrid can be seen off in the chase because the player wants to join them.
Chief executive David Gill is trying to agree a fee with Latics but does not want to get involved in an auction – and the Old Trafford club believe that their offer is fair.
United have been discussing player exchanges in the talks but this is now complicated because Steve Bruce has left and Roberto Martinez is set to take over as boss. Wigan may now prefer straight cash.
Real sent a delegation to Wigan last month – as Mirror Sport revealed – and were willing to pay around £18m.
However, Valencia is only second-choice at Real behind United’s Cristiano Ronaldo and he is more interested in staying in the Premier League.
Valencia is on World Cup duty with his country, but can return to England at the end of the week and hopes to have a medical at United as soon as possible.
His capture is not seen as meaning an exit for Ronaldo inside United. He is more of a potential replacement for the disappointing Nani, but he could also become a right- wing regular – with Ferguson planning to mix and match next season.
Ronaldo could play a central role more often, while Valencia can also be used in midfield.
source : mirror.co.uk
0 comments:
Post a Comment