Manchester United are refusing to give up on a pursuit of Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde, according to the latest report from Spain.
An ambitious raid
The Red Devils were linked with an ambitious move for Valverde, 27, earlier this month as INEOS continue to hunt for upgrades in the middle of the pitch.
A plan for a €100 million offer next summer was reported in Spain with Madrid set to use this cash injection to fund a move for a deep-lying playmaker in Valverde’s place.
The Uruguay international has been a key part of Los Blancos success in recent years, but has fallen down the pecking order under Xabi Alonso, who took over from Carlos Ancelotti in the summer.
Two Premier League stars were suggested as high on the agenda at the Bernabeu – Enzo Fernandez and Adam Wharton – with both midfielders set to cost in excess of £100m, given their importance at Chelsea and Crystal Palace respectively.
But Valverde was not open to the switch to United, given the state of Ruben Amorim’s team at present and the absence of European football at Old Trafford this season.
This has not caused the Red Devils to give up hope, however, with Valverde’s continued marginalisation by Alonso sparking INEOS’ hope of launching an explosive raid this winter.
A winter raid
Spanish outlet Fichajes reports United are “preparing an offer” worth €80m (£69.7m) for the 27-year-old midfielder in the January transfer window.
The report cites Valverde’s frustration with his own performances as well as further noise around the fact he is “not fully adapting to the positional style Alonso demands” as further evidence of the Uruguayan’s potential departure.
From United’s perspective, the signing of Valverde would be transformative – for a variety of reasons, both on and off the pitch.
“Manchester United believes Valverde would bring the leadership, experience, and physical ability needed to compete at the highest level in the Premier League. The Red Devils are reportedly willing to make a significant offer, around €80 million, to convince Madrid to negotiate,” Fichajes contends.
“Furthermore, there have been rumors that players like Kobbie Mainoo could be involved in a combined deal, to reduce the direct financial cost and make the offer more attractive to Real Madrid.”
The report balance this update by stressing Madrid have “so far shown no urgency in parting with Valverde,” suggesting this is a deal far from close, even in the creative minds of the sensationalist Spanish outlet.
United will undoubtedly look to strengthen the midfield in January, given its an acute area of weakness in Amorim’s team, but the idea that Valverde will be the answer the club secures is almost too good to be true.
Featured image Denis Doyle via Getty Images
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Darragh Fox
Darragh is a writer for The Peoples Person who spent three years as a history graduate slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about.
