Agent: United fail in Silva bid

Manchester United have failed with a bid for Spain striker David Silva, according to the player’s agent.

United boss Alex Ferguson is eager to bring a new forward to Old Trafford before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.

However agent Julio Llorente, who represents 26-year-old Silva, has told Sky Sports News a bid from United was turned down by Valencia.

Llorente also claims Silva would prefer a move to Real Madrid or Barcelona than a transfer to the Barclays Premier League.

“Manchester United made an offer for David Silva, but this has been turned down by Valencia,” Llorente said.

“Silva doesn’t want to play in England because he is happy at Valencia.

“His family are settled and if he was to move it would only be to another Spanish club, like Real Madrid or Barcelona.

“David Silva will start the new season at Valencia.”

Valencia president Vicente Soriano is confident that both Silva and star striker David Villa will remain at the club for the coming year.

Like his fellow Spain international Silva, Villa has been linked with a big-money move away from Valencia this summer.

However, Soriano was reported by Marca as saying: “I can assure you that Villa and Silva will continue this season at Valencia.”