The father of Manchester United veteran Antonio Valencia has confirmed West Ham United want to sign the defender.
Last month The Sun claimed West Ham were lining up a free transfer move for the 33-year-old.
The Sun’s report said West Ham wanted Valencia as a potential replacement for Pablo Zabaleta, who could leave for a coaching role at Manchester City or in Qatar at the end of the season.
Valencia offers Hammers ideal balance
Valencia would be a more than able replacement for Zabaleta. He would also be a superb mentor for emerging right back Ben Johnson.
And Pellegrini would have to make a decision on Ryan Fredericks who has failed to establish himself since signing from Fulham last summer.
As with any transfer story there is a big difference between speculation and getting a deal over the line.
‘West Ham are an option’
But it appears West Ham’s interest in Valencia is certainly genuine.
That’s after the Ecuadorian’s dad and agent Luis confirmed as much to El Universo.
“He definitely will not continue in Manchester,” Luis Valencia confirmed about his son’s next move.
“He wants a change in the air and the club is not going to renew him either. Like everything in life, everything comes to an end.
A great mentor for emerging talent Johnson
“Arsenal, West Ham, Inter Milan and one club from China are options, but in football everything is changing.
“He wants to choose the best option, but above all he wants to sign a contract for two years. Not for the money, but for peace and hopefully, he told me, be hired by a team that fights for important things.”
Signing Valencia would give young Johnson time and space to grow steadily into a first team regular having just signed a new long-term contract with the Hammers (whufc.com).
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