Manchester United are keen on Javi Guerra and face a three-way battle for the underperforming Valencia midfielder ahead of January.

According to Fichajes, Javi Guerra could be leaving Valencia ahead of the January window as Manchester United are among the three main contenders for the midfielder. The Spaniard has not performed to his required levels, which could see the club sell him for a fee much lower than his release clause.

Valencia had a difficult summer, marred by financial issues and players wanting to leave the project. Their lack of funds saw them struggle to make any relevant signings in the market, while stars like Cristhian Mosquera left for Arsenal in a cut-price deal, as he refused the idea of signing an extension.

Valencia did not want to lose another one of their promising star on the cheap, and did relatively well to keep hold of Javi Guerra. The 22-year-old playmaker was also in a similar boat to Mosquera in the context of his contractual situation, but he signed a new deal until 2029, which includes a €100 million release clause.

The Spanish strugglers also managed to ward off a few suitors, such as Manchester United, for Guerra. The Red Devils were keen on landing a new midfielder in the summer as they failed in the pursuit of top target Carlos Baleba, and they also looked at the Valencia midfielder as an alternative of sorts.

The Red Devils are back in the mix for Guerra ahead of January, as they are still in the market for a new midfielder. They may not view the 22-year-old playmaker as their primary target amid links to Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton, among others. However, they are unlikely to sign any of those English stars in January, which has taken them back to the shores of Valencia for Guerra.

Manchester United are in a three-way battle

It appears Valencia are ready to sell Guerra for a knocked-down price between €20-25 million in January, which is considerably lower than his €100 million release clause. Arsenal were linked with a move, although three clubs are seen as the main contenders for the 22-year-old playmaker ahead of January.

Manchester United faces the challenge to convince the player to make a move to Old Trafford, rather than AC Milan or Atletico Madrid. Both those clubs are looking at Guerra’s situation at Valencia, but the Red Devils will look to take advantage of the knocked-down price and bring in a player they believe they can develop into a future star.