Liverpool considering shock swoop for Man United star
Published:
Liverpool are poised to make a shock move for Manchester United midfielder Antonio Valencia, according to media reports.
Brendan Rodgers is keen to boost his wing options ahead of a busy campaign, which will include Champions League football for the first time since 2009-19, and with just one year remaining on Valencia’s Old Trafford deal the Reds boss believes an unlikely deal can be struck.
United snapped Valencia up for £16m from Wigan in 2009 and the winger started with a bang, scoring seven goals in his debut campaign.
The Ecuadorian teamed up well with Wayne Rooney in particular and was named the club’s Player’s Player of the Year for 2011-12.
However, the 28-year-old has struggled to hit those heights ever since and after a disappointing campaign under David Moyes and Ryan Giggs could be ushered out to accommodate the fresh talent that will surely kick off the Louis van Gaal era.
Liverpool are aware of Valencia’s contract situation and believe they can land their man for around half of the £16m United paid to acquire his services.
Louis van Gaal is expected to spend up to £200m on new players this summer and after reportedly offering winger Nani a career lifeline Valencia could find game time increasingly hard to come by, especially with the Red Devils not involved in European competition.
As such, Valencia is likely to be viewing the World Cup as his opportunity to attract a new club, Liverpool or otherwise, and his next opportunity will arrive later today as his side faces up against Honduras.
The United man is not a prolific goalscorer but with two Premier League titles and two League Cup wins under his belt he is perhaps his team’s most accomplished player and will look to lead by example.
Therefore the 12/1 on him opening the scoring looks a good outside bet, while the 4/1 on an anytime strike could also prove a shrewd choice.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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