Newcastle United are in the hunt for Manchester United right-back Antonio Valencia, according to the Sun.
The newspaper reports on their website that fellow Premier League strugglers Fulham are also keen on the veteran defender, but the Magpies will only take him on if Manchester United are able to pay up his contract, which is worth £100,000-a-week [Spotrac].
The reports adds that the 33-year-old could leave the Red Devils on a free transfer or on a loan deal in January, as his contract runs out in the summer.
The star had expected to play for Ole Gunnar Solksjaer’s team for the rest of the campaign and was surprised to know that the club were open to letting him go in this window.
Good move for Newcastle?
Yes, this would be an excellent move for Newcastle. The experience Valencia could bring to the team would be invaluable to boss Rafa Benitez, and it is a prospect that the fans would surely drool over. The Ecuadorean flyer is known for this dangerous runs along the right flank as well as his pinpoint crosses – something the Newcastle attack would appreciate highly at the moment. The fact that he could either go on loan or move on a free transfer is perfect for Benitez, as it would mean that he would get a high-quality player for peanuts.
This is Futbol rating: 9/10
Likely to happen?
Yes, there is a possibility that this move may happen. Manchester United potentially want him gone this month, and it is not like Newcastle would have to pay a large fee for him if this report is right with its suggestion. However, you would then worry for DeAndre Yedlin’s first team prospects of Valencia were to join. That being said, Newcastle do face an obstacle in signing him in the shape of Fulham, so at the end of the day, it is Valencia’s choice as to who he really wants to join or whether he wants to fight for his place.
This is Futbol rating: 6/10