They’ve been linked with a swoop to sign Valencia midfielder Fran Villalba lately but the 18-year-old is set to snub the Red Devils in favour of a Mestalla stay, report The Mirror.
According to the report, Valencia are now planning a new deal plus an increased release clause for the teenager who is a Spanish Under-19 international.
Handed his Los Che debut under Gary Neville’s stewardship last season, Villalba was interestingly not made a part of Pako Ayestaran’s first team this term although Cesare Prandelli is now in charge.
Despite still learning his trade with Valencia B, it appears Villalba is still keen to make it work at Mestalla with the player’s agent having previously alluded to the club’s intentions.
Speaking to Sport Witness last week, Villalba’s agent Vicente Fores claimed: “I don’t know about Valencia. But I reckon they will make it hard. We’ve just started talking. It’s up to United.”
Previously reported to have a release clause of just £4 million, it now appears that Villalba won’t be picked up in a bargain swoop by Manchester United.