Newcastle United are reportedly keen on Manchester United’s Antonio Valencia.
According to The Sun, Newcastle United are interested in snapping up Manchester United right back Antonio Valencia, with the defender allowed to leave this week.
Valencia, 33, joined United from Wigan Athletic way back in the summer of 2009, initially featuring as a winger for Sir Alex Ferguson following Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit.
More than 300 appearances on, Valencia is a right back and captain of United, winning two Premier Leagues, an FA Cup and the Europa League during his time at Old Trafford.
Valencia has struggled for playing time this season though, making just five Premier League starts having slipped behind Ashley Young and now Diogo Dalot in the pecking order.
The veteran is out of contract this summer, and The Sun report that United will let him leave on loan or on a free transfer before Thursday’s transfer deadline to effectively end his time with the club this week.
The Sun report that two clubs – Fulham and Newcastle United – are now keen to land Valencia, and could launch moves to sign him before the deadline despite his £100,000-a-week wages.
Newcastle certainly need reinforcements, but a deal for Valencia would be a huge surprise given that it’s a left back they need, not a right back.
DeAndre Yedlin is already in place at St James’ Park, and there are more pressing matters than signing an ageing right back, even with Rafael Benitez desperately pursuing new signings this week.
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