Manchester United club captain Antonio Valencia is set to quit the club in the January transfer window after having little hope of repairing his relationship with Jose Mourinho. The two fell out when Valencia liked an Instagram post calling for Mourinho to be sacked, and has largely been frozen out of the side despite offering an apology. West Ham and La Liga are possible destinations.
As of January, he will be free to talk to potential suitors around Europe, with several clubs in Italy and Spain showing interest.
However, the Hammers have emerged as one of the favourites to sign the Ecuador international as they search for a new right-back.
According to The Sun, West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini is a huge fan of Valencia and Pablo Zabaleta could retire at the end of the season.
An Old Trafford source said: “The club are still deciding what to do with Antonio and his future.
“He has played a few times this season, but has struggled with injuries and his form hasn’t been great.
“Him and Jose haven’t seen eye-to-eye at times this season and it might be the end for him here, but we will see.”
Mourinho then dropped him for not attending the Carabao Cup defeat at Derby in September in his role as club captain, even though he was not playing.
United have the option to extend his current £100,000-a-week deal by a further 12 months before it expires next summer.
Valencia is United’s longest-serving player, making 337 appearances since joining from Wigan for £16million in 2009, but he has played seven times this season.
Mourinho may have to turn to Valencia again on Sunday when United visit bitter rivals Liverpool on Sunday due to injury concerns over full backs Diogo Dalot,Matteo Darmian and Luke Shaw.
He has attracted interest from West Ham and Spanish clubs and is yet to be offered a new deal +4
He has attracted interest from West Ham and Spanish clubs and is yet to be offered a new deal.