‘Valencia may leave United this season’

Old Trafford insiders have claimed Antonio Valencia is poised to exit Manchester United at the end of the season.

The Ecuadorian winger turned effective right-back is free to talk to other clubs in January, with his agreement up once again next summer.

United boss Jose Mourinho reportedly fell out with the 33-year-old over fitness issues at the start of the campaign and he is also keen to start pushing the claims of Portuguese starlet Diogo Dalot, who was signed under the radar from Porto in early summer.

Valencia arrived at the Theatre of Dreams from Wigan Athletic for £17m back in 2009 and has proved a reliable mainstay for the Red Devils, making 274 appearances and scoring 24 goals in all competitions.

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It is understood there has already been interest from his native South America and United are also weighing up younger blood to further bolster their defensive ranks.

Valencia recently apologised after liking an Instagram post which called for Mourinho to be sacked, further casting a shadow over the likelihood of the United captain being offered another 12-month extension to continue playing his football for the red half of Manchester.

United sources insist the veteran does not expect to hear anything more on that front and his camp are now exploring their options.