Manchester United captain Antonio Valencia has turned down a deadline day move to Newcastle, according to The Sun.
The newspaper report that the Ecuador international was being lined up for a last-gasp switch by the Magpies and Premier League rivals Fulham.
The Sun claim that the 33-year-old has however opted to run down his contract at Old Trafford and leave on a free transfer in the summer, despite the fact he is totally out of favour under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
OPINION
This would have been a brilliant last-gasp swoop for Newcastle to make on deadline day, with Valencia having so much experience in the Premier League despite falling out of favour at Manchester United. The 33-year-old flyer would be able to provide Rafa Benitez with quality cover at right-back and on the wing, both positions in which the Magpies could really do with reinforcements. It looks however as though Valencia will remain at Old Trafford despite his stock continuing to fall in Manchester, with a free transfer on the cards in the summer. As it is it looks like Newcastle will have to make do with just the two signings on deadline day, wth Miguel Almiron and Antonio Barreca both now confirmed by the club. Both those players will be expected to contribute to the club’s battle against relegation with expectations particularly high for Almiron, who has become the club’s record signing.
