United rocked by midfield target’s sudden decision just after claims they were ‘close to agreement’ – report

Most Manchester United fans who tuned in for the club’s 0-0 pre-season friendly draw with Leeds United were quick to highlight weaknesses in midfield.

Those concerns left some fans clamouring for a midfield addition, and fortunately, transfer guru David Ornstein has confirmed that a move is under consideration.

However, before the debate over which midfielder INEOS should target (with several names already linked), a transfer bombshell has dropped.

Guerra agreement

It has emerged that United have reached a verbal agreement with Valencia midfielder Javi Guerra, a revelation relayed by The Peoples Person, citing claims made by Sebastien Vidal.

Vidal stated that United are working to finalise the Spaniard’s signing quickly, with the player reportedly intent on a move to Old Trafford.

While those claims seemed to offer clarity on United’s midfield plans, a fresh report from Spain has added further complication.

United switch vs Valencia preference

Guerra may not be as keen on an Old Trafford move as hyped, according to Onda Cero, who reveal:

“Javi Guerra is clear about it. Unless they show him the exit door and force him to leave, he wants to stay more years at the Mestalla club and become an important player.”

In contrast to his teammate Cristhian Mosquera (who is set to join Arsenal after rejecting extension talks), the Spanish outlet goes on to reveal why the player is keen on staying, stating:

“Guerra knows first-hand he is a key piece in the Valencian coach’s scheme, and that the team is going to pivot around his football.”

Claims of a verbal agreement reportedly stemmed from suggestions that Guerra had rejected Valencia’s contract renewal offer.

But Onda Cero offers fresh details on the contract negotiations (to Valencia’s advantage):

“Financially, the offices are willing to make an effort to give him what they consider fair: an ascending contract that would put him among the most valued in the squad in recent years.

“At the moment, the negotiation point is in the first year after the renewal.

“If they manage to reach an agreement on that initial year, the renewal is closer.”

If accurate, those revelations surely cast doubt on any immediate hopes of Guerra swapping the Mestalla for Old Trafford.

Who knows? Those “agreement reached” claims may have been a way for the player to secure a bigger payday.

A deep-lying playmaker with impressive stamina, elite tackling, and pinpoint passing, Guerra could have freshened up United’s engine room.

The Red Devils may need to look elsewhere for a midfield reinforcement. Fortunately, other targets, such as Ederson and Douglas Luiz, remain on their radar.

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