Despite all the smoke and mirrors, it does seem like Manchester United are going to try and sign somebody in the January transfer window, and the next name to come up as a potential arrival is that of Argentine midfielder Ever Banega from Valencia.
According to the Mirror Banega is the next in a long list of midfielders that David Moyes is showing interest in. He isn’t a very creative midfielder like most suspect Moyes is interested in, but Banega is made of the Javier Mascherano mold – a small, feisty, very physical midfielder who usually spends time in a more defensive role.
The 25-year old has been playing in Spain since 2007, coming over as a teenager from Boca Juniors. Except for one season as a loanee with Atletico Madrid, he has spent his entire time playing for Valencia, scoring nine goals in the time he’s been there.
Who does Banega take over for if he arrives? Hard to say. Manchester United are mostly happy with Michael Carrick as their defensive midfielder, but he hasn’t been doing a perfect job as well since coming back from injury. Banega can play in a bit more advanced role, which means instead of Tom Cleverley or any other half-of-a-duo David Moyes thinks about, but it might be a slight waste of his talents and specificity, not to mention that Banega might not be the player that actually helps upgrade the Manchester United midfield.
If Manchester United do try and sign Banega it’ll be for around £12.5 million. Valencia might not have much quality in their squad, which means they aren’t that inclined to give up on players as they struggle to leave the rough start to the season behind them (8th in the La Liga), but their financial woes mean that almost any offer for any players will be accepted.