Italian giants bid to halt United’s Valencia swoop

Juventus have disrupted Manchester United’s hopes of signing Valencia duo Andre Gomes and Shkodran Mustafi.

The Italian club are now in pole position to secure the pair, according to reports in Italy, with the Turin club sending officials to meet Valencia.

Tuttosport report that Juventus are willing to offer midfielder Roberto Pereyra in exchange for Gomes, who is valued at £23million.

They are also set to discuss a price for central defender Mustafi, a player much admired by Louis van Gaal having been one of the only bright points in Valencia’s otherwise dismal campaign.

United have been linked with the pair since the early stages of the season, though failure to wrap up the deal could hurt them as the Bianconeri swoop.

Calciomercato stated last month however that Gomes had already been promised to Jose Mourinho by Jorge Mendes, who is agent to both.

However the former Benfica player was subject to interest from Napoli in Janaury, and Vincenzo Morabito – a middle man in negotiations – hinted he may make the move.

“He is a very important player and Napoli are chasing him. I think he could join the club” he told Calciomercato.

“He’d really love to join Napoli like many other players right now. They are battling it out for a Serie A title and they are the favourite side to win Europa League.

“Valencia belong to Peter Lim and there are different problems. Napoli are also interested to sign him, but it they still have to understand how negotiations will carry on.

“Gomes’ replacement will probably be another Portuguese player that Mendes will buy from one of the clubs in business with him.”

Rumours linking team-mate Mustafi with a move away from the Mestalla heated up when the German international spoke to the media after Valencia’s 7-0 loss to Barcelona earlier in the season.

“We want to say sorry to the supporters and to the people who are working for the club. But you can’t ask for forgiveness without giving a reaction.

“The dressing room is in the s**t at the moment, but I believe in this team, and that is why I signed for this club. We were a team last year, and we are this year.”