‘Exclusive’ claims Benitez is trying to sign forgotten Man Utd man now available on a free..

According to an exclusive from The Sun’s Alan Nixon, Rafa Benitez is keen to sign Antonio Valencia – with Man Utd said to be willing to let him leave on a free this month.

He also claims that Fulham are keen, but I really don’t quite know where to start with this one..

Yes he’s not getting much of a look in at Man Utd these days, but a 33-year-old who’s said to be receiving £100,000 per week at Old Trafford hardly sounds like the sort of deal Ashley would sanction – even if he is available on a ‘free’.

Here’s a snippet from Alan Nixon’s latest piece for The Sun – with him being the reporter who first broke our interest in Federico Fernandez:

‘MANCHESTER UNITED could allow skipper Antonio Valencia to go this week — with Newcastle and Fulham keen on the out-of- favour star.

‘The Ecuador right-back’s contract is up in the summer but he can leave sooner on loan or even a free transfer.

‘Toon boss Rafa Benitez is keen if United will pay up Valencia’s contract while Fulhamare also interested after missing out on first choice Victor Moses from Chelsea.

‘Other clubs are looking at a loan option for Valencia, 33, and taking on his £100,000-plus weekly wage for the rest of the term.

‘Valencia is shocked by United letting him go so soon and was happy to play out the campaign.’

He would give us some vital experience and leadership – something we were visibly lacking in the 2-0 defeat against Watford yesterday – but do we really need a new right-back?

He operated as a winger during his time at Wigan and his early days at Man Utd, but seems to be more of a defender these days – and he’s only played 8 times this season (5 in the league and 3 in the Champions League).

I’m not sure about this one. It’s a deal Ashley seems unlikely to sanction (unless he reduces his wage demands significantly) and a signing that doesn’t seem to make much sense given moves for a left-back, attacking midfielder or striker seem far more essential.

(Fancy writing for us? Send any articles/ideas over to us at [email protected] & we’ll get back to you!)

About Olly Hawkins

As a Junior Magpie since birth and season ticket holder, I eat, sleep and breathe all things NUFC! Here at the blog, I aim to bring you news, views, match reports and transfer exclusives as and when I get them.

2 thoughts on “‘Exclusive’ claims Benitez is trying to sign forgotten Man Utd man now available on a free..

  1. Great news hot off the press were going to sign Naymar. Naymar defender , Neymar and Neymar attacker. So now Neymar Season ticket,

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  2. Nailed it in one, Olly. An absolutely non-starter, …on so many levels. 😕

    Good comments, Jim. If only we could have Naymar of Ashley, that would be a wonderful thing. 😆

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