United land 16m Valencia now Benzema’s on the radar
MANCHESTER UNITED last night clinched the signing of Antonio Valencia – and then set their sights on completing a £51m double raid to add Karim Benzema.
Ecuador winger Valencia made the switch from Wigan after putting pen-to-paper on a four-year deal believed to be worth around £16m.
Now, with £80m at his disposal following the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Mardid, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is closing in on a £35m deal to land Lyon striker Benzema, that according to the Frenchman’s club-mate Miralem Pjanic.
Ferguson has been tracking the winger for some time but finally announced his signing on the club’s website last night – and the Scot is clearly happy with his purchase.
“Antonio is a player we have admired for some time now, having spent the last two years in the Premier League with Wigan,” he said. “I am sure his pace and ability will make a significant contribution to the team.”
Valencia, 23, has played 34 times for his country and soon became an instant hit at the JJB Stadium after Steve Bruce lured him from Villarreal in January 2008.
He beamed: “I have enjoyed my time at Wigan, but I am thrilled to have the chance to challenge for the biggest honours in club football here.
“Playing in front of 76,000 fans alongside players like Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs will be an amazing experience. I can’t wait to get started.”
According to Lyon ace Pjanic, however, Ferguson’s spending has not stopped there with the Bosnian claiming that a deal for Benzema is already in place.
“Benzema is nearly gone to Old Trafford,” Pjanic said openly. “The English club are willing to pay €45m for him and it is just a question of the day when he will move to England. He does not have anything against going to Manchester.”