United veteran linked with league rivals
According to reports in Ecuador, Manchester United veteran Antonio Valencia will leave the club in the summer, but may stay in the Premier League, with Arsenal and West Ham both being touted as potential destinations for the 33-year old.
Valencia has been at Old Trafford for nearly a decade since joining the Red Devils in 2009 from Wigan Athletic. Originally named as captain by Jose Mourinho at the beginning of the 18/19 season, he has made only 5 league appearances for the club this season, with injuries not helping his cause either.
Valencia’s father, who also serves as his agent, told Ecuadorean newspaper El Universo that his son was looking for a change in surroundings and that United didn’t appear keen on renewing the latter’s contract. The deadline for triggering a one year extension in the right back’s contract has passed, with the club yet to offer him a new deal, and it looks increasingly likely that he will leave Old Trafford.
Arsenal and West Ham have both been touted as potential destinations although there’s also been interest from Inter Milan and a Chinese Super League club, according to Valencia’s father.
United have Diogo Dalot available to play in Valencia’s position and have also been linked with young Crystal Palace star Aaron-Wan Bissaka.