Spain

Manchester United After Asenjo?

Reports today in the Spanish press say that Manchester United are targeting Valladolid goalkeeper Sergio Asenjo as a replacement for Edwin Van Der Sar, who retires at the end of this season...

Oct 12, 2008 3:00:46 PM

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Sergio Asenjo - Valladolid (Marca)

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Even though the season has only just begun it appears clubs are already planning for next summer, with Manchester United the latest side to register their interest in a young talent.

The name of the target; Sergio Asenjo, the young nineteen year-old Valladolid goalkeeper who has been hailed as the natural successor to Iker Casillas for Spain.

According to Marca Sir Alex Ferguson appears to have identified him as a replacement for Edwin Van Der Sar, who is retiring at the end of this present season.

It appears that if a deal is to be done though it will be completed next summer rather than in January as according to Asenjo's agent, Zoran Veckic, it would not suit him to leave midway through the season to a 'club where he will feature only as a sub, it will stunt his development.'

Surprisingly for such a talented player his buy-out clause is just €6 milllion which will make him an easy target for most big clubs and which will make it very difficult for Valladolid to keep hold of him.

Indeed, it would be remarkable if he stayed at the club for much longer, bearing in mind they are hardly thriving in La Liga and that Manchester United aside, he is believed to be wanted by top Spanish clubs too.

James Walker-Roberts