United tell Juventus: Hands off Valencia
Published 22:31 15/12/11 By David Maddock
Juventus are desperately keen on snatching the Ecuador winger, who has struggled to make an impact on the first team this season following the summer capture of Aston Villa's Ashley Young.
Speculation has mounted that, after only three league starts in the current campaign, the £15million-rated midfielder would be allowed to leave when the window opened.
But United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has told the player's agent there is no chance of that, because his squad has been stretched to the limit by injuries to nine senior players.
"I am aware of rumours of Juventus' interest, but he is very happy in Manchester and I see it as very difficult that he leaves United," explained Larrea.
"Antonio recently signed a new four-year deal, and both he and his family are settled and well living in the city, and playing for a big club.
"For my part, there is nothing concrete. There has been interest from Italy, but I don't think that Juve has spoken with United because I was not informed - though I cannot exclude it as a possibility."
Valencia has largely been used in a wide position for United, and managed to force Nani out of the side last season, becoming a regular as the team reached the Champions' League Final.
But he had been increasingly used in central midfield at previous club Wigan before his move to United, and Ferguson may have the idea of calling on the 26-year-old to fill that role again while he's without Darren Fletcher, Anderson and Tom Cleverley.
The Old Trafford boss has made clear that he intends to stand by his current squad and not make a significant plunge into the market during the January window.
Although he could sign some defensive cover if the right deal comes up having also lost Nemanja Vidic to injury for the rest of the season.
There was some good news for Ferguson on Thursday, when Cleverley returned to light training following an ankle injury.
He could be ready to resume playing by the New Year, if all goes to plan.
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CRYSTAL PALACE manager Dougie Freedman has urged Nathaniel Clyne to stay at Selhurst Park.
The young right-back is stalling over a new contract with the Eagles and has been linked with a possible move to Manchester United.
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