Man United close to agreeing deal for Valencia FC star Javi Guerra | OneFootball

Manchester United are “close” to agreeing a deal to sign Valencia midfielder Javi Guerra, according to a report.

The Hunt for a New Midfielder

The Red Devils are on the hunt for an athletic number eight this summer at the request of Ruben Amorim who is intent on raising the physical floor of his side.

The Portuguese coach, who swapped Lisbon for Manchester in November to replace Erik ten Hag, does not believe the United squad offers the requisite physicality to compete in English football.

The existing options in his midfield unit – Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo and the recently departed Christian Eriksen – all struggled last season to match the demands Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system places upon its central pivot.

Toby Collyer enjoyed a brief ascension under Amorim towards the beginning of the 40-year-old’s reign due to the academy graduate’s outstanding physical attributes. But he lacks the requisite technical ability and a loan move next season feels the best route for the youngster to continue his development.

The most successful option in central midfield for Amorim was Bruno Fernandes, usually stationed further forward as a number ten. But the Portugal international offers an incredible work-rate with tireless legs, as well as the ability to progress the ball from deep, leading Amorim to consistently deploy him next to either Casemiro or Ugarte as the season progressed.

However, the departure of Eriksen, whose contract expired last month, the prospect of Collyer leaving on loan, and the fact that Amorim sees Mainoo as much as a number ten as a number eight, has left the Portuguese coach keen to add another central midfielder to his ranks.

A Long-Term Target in Spain

Guerra, 22, is a long-term target at Old Trafford with United reportedly considering a move for the Valencia midfielder in January 2024.

The Spaniard has remained a player of interest for United’s recruitment department with a unique combination of size (standing almost 6’2) and skill, as he possesses the usual level of technical ability associated with La Liga midfielders despite his imposing frame.

Reports earlier in the summer revealed Valencia would be open to Guerra’s sale for around €25 million (£21m), offering a cheap option for United in a window where the bulk of the club’s budget is being directed towards the forward line.

Italian journalist Daniele Longo (Calcio Mercato) now contends United have accelerated their pursuit of the 22-year-old and he is “close to join[ing]” the Red Devils.

Tweet: “EXCLUSIVE: Javi Guerra is close to join @ManUtd @cmdotcom.”

While The Peoples Person retains a dose of scepticism over an Italian journalist having an inside scoop on an English club’s pursuit of a midfielder in Spain, Guerra is evidently a player with many admirers at Old Trafford who fits Amorim’s request at a price the club can afford.

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