Manchester United and Real Madrid battle it out for Wigan winger

Manchester United and Real Madrid will battle it out to get the signature of Wigan Athletic winger, Luis Antonio Valencia, at the end of the season. The news could well mean an end to the pursuit of Spurs’ Aaron Lennon by United, as Sir Alex Ferguson seeks a cheaper and more versatile option.

It is also no secret that Madrid are planning a big change of playing staff during the summer and it is thought that Valencia will fit into the La Liga style of play very well. It is much less physically demanding than the Premier League, which could be a big factor when Valencia has to make his decision.

Wigan manager, Steve Bruce, has all but given up on attempts to try and keep Valencia, now admitting he is likely to move. He said today: “It is inevitable Antonio will leave, but where to I am not quite sure. There have been no deals done so far, I keep reading the story but nothing has been done so far.”

So it seems that all parties involved may be waiting for the official end of season or the opening of the transfer window to happen before any action is made. It is a well known point in football that at this point in the year the rumour mill is normally in full flow and this may just be a case of a story getting way out of hand.

However, it is important and necessary to look at where would be best for Valencia if there are some elements of truth. United have proved themselves to be by far and away the strongest team in Europe over the last two seasons and there is no where better for the prospect of success than at Old Trafford.

Valencia also has first hand experience of how good United are and is already settled in England. He is likely to have already learnt the basics of English and if United make a bid then there is little doubt that he would snap the hand off of whoever makes the offer.

However, the history and calibre of Spanish football and Real Madrid is also very lucrative. Valencia is not a big person and he may suit the more gentle style of Spanish football, no doubt the quality would not be the same over the course of the season but he may well be up for the challenge.

Although Bruce is unlikely to disfavour United, having once played for them, he may prefer a bid from Spain as he would not want to see one of his main assets leave to go and play for another English club.

A move to Spain would also move Valencia back to a more familiar setting as it would feel closer to his South American roots despite the geographical gulf. This is a factor that money can’t buy and something United can do nothing about if this is what Valencia is looking for.

Where he ends up is right now a complete mystery. Wigan will have to take the offer that is right for the player and right for the club. United will probably be favourites but the solidity of their interest is unknown.