Premiership: Argentinian captain being tracked by Man Utd

Valencia have poured cold water on speculation that central defender Robert Fabio Ayala may move to Manchester United as a replacement for Jaap Stam.

United sold their Dutch defender to Lazio this week for £15.25million and Argentina captain Ayala is reportedly being tracked by United.

The former Napoli and AC Milan defender has been valued by Valencia at £37m.

Valencia president Jaime Orti told PA International: ‘‘We know that Manchester United are interested in the player.

‘‘However, Ayala is an important player for Valencia and we do not want to sell him.

‘‘We have not been contacted by Manchester United recently but some time ago we were asked by them about the player.’’