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Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing CF Valencia midfielder Javi Guerra.
The Red Devils invested heavily in Manuel Ugarte this summer. Still, the Uruguayan has struggled to earn Erik ten Hag’s trust, again dropping to the bench in yesterday’s chaotic 2-1 loss to West Ham United.
Christian Eriksen, Casemiro, and Bruno Fernandes are all on the wrong side of 30, so even more investment will soon need to be made in the centre of the park.
Kobbie Mainoo, at 19, and Ugarte, at 23, are indeed the age profiles that Ineos want to focus on, but they will also want to add more fresh blood to an overall ageing midfield.
Consequently, Fichajes report, “Javi Guerra, Valencia’s young midfielder, has sparked the interest of several European giants, including Manchester United.”
The 21 year old is said to have “established himself as a key piece in his team’s scheme, showing a maturity and vision of play that surpasses his age.”
The Red Devils are reported to be drawn not only to the combative midfielder’s ability to win back the ball but also his “growth potential”.
However, “his passing accuracy and tactical intelligence have made Guerra one of the most promising young midfielders in European football,” and they fully expect a “bidding war” for the youngster next summer.
Valencia know that United’s comparative economic strength and the Spanish side’s own struggles, they sit bottom of the La Liga table, will make it challenging to hold onto Guerra beyond the summer.
He has played 525 minutes this season in La Liga, making ten appearances, and has shone despite Valencia only winning one of their league matches.
The young starlet is a multi-functional midfielder who can play “the deep-lying playmaker, but he can also adapt to playing in a 3-man midfield, adopting the box-to-box role.”
What’s more, “he possesses great technical abilities and an intelligence in both offensive and defensive phases that allow him to make the difference on the pitch.”
United have been tracking him since last year, and despite the midfielder’s insistence on staying in Eastern Spain in the past, his side’s current woes could finally convince him to depart.