25 September 2023 , 18:57
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Manchester United are heavily scouting Valencia midfielder Javi Guerra – who has also emerged as a transfer target for Newcastle.
There were seven arrivals into the first-team squad at Old Trafford this summer including midfielders Mason Mount and Sofyan Amrabat – the latter on loan – although both players have been sidelined with early injury issues at their new club.
However, the exit of Brazilian midfielder Fred to Fenerbahce, the initial short-term nature of Amrabat’s deal and the ongoing uncertainty over Scott McTominay’s future has ensured the club are keeping their options open ahead of January.
With young star Kobbie Mainoo still to return from injury, there will be no shortage of midfield options at Ten Hag’s disposal. Hannibal Mejbri’s goal against Brighton and impressive display in the win at Burnley may force the Tunisian into Ten Hag’s long-term plans.
Yet United are monitoring a move for Valencia midfielder and Spain under-21 international Guerra, with Marca detailing how Ten Hag has sent scouts to each of Los Che’s matches in LaLiga this term to track the player’s progress.
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Guerra has been a revelation for Valencia since his April debut, shining in a side who have seen their squad suffer significant cutbacks with multiple stars exiting. Primarily a defensive midfielder, Guerra has shown he is comfortable playing in the ‘8’ role as well as a ‘6’ – with his goal threat and runs from midfield a notable aspect of his game.
The midfielder netted a crucial winner in a victory over Valladolid late last term, just minutes after coming on as a substitute, which proved crucial in helping to maintain Valencia’s top-flight status. He also bagged a late winner as his side won at Sevilla on the opening day of this league campaign, before scoring in successive games this month against Atletico Madrid and Almeria.
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Man Utd have been sending scouts to watch Guerra play for Valencia (Diego Souto/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)In May 2023, Guerra further extended his link with Valencia through to 2027, in a move that also saw him promoted permanently to the first-team squad and a €100million (£87m) transfer release clause inserted into his deal.
However, there is a widespread belief that Valencia would be willing to sell at a fraction of that price. That exact release clause was also in the contract of Yunus Musah, who was sold to Italian giants AC Milan this summer in a deal worth €20m (£17.3m).
Guerra has made just 16 top-flight appearances for Valencia but his level of performance has seen him elevated into Spain’s under-21 squad with scouts at United thought to be impressed by his maturity and versatility in midfield. A move in January may be premature, but the future of the Spaniard is likely to be in the spotlight over the coming year.