Man Utd overlooked for ‘expected’ transfer, with Tottenham, Chelsea among three chasing LaLiga giant’s best player

A LaLiga side’s imposing best player is “expected to leave” this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano, though Man Utd were curiously overlooked when listing who’s ready to pounce.

The usual suspects comprise the top three positions in LaLiga at present, with Barcelona leading the way ahead of Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid. However, the country’s next two biggest sides – Sevilla and Valencia – are nowhere to be seen.

Indeed, Sevilla are languishing down in 12th position and were inside the relegation zone as recently as January 14.

It’s even worse for last season’s Cope del Rey finalists Valencia. The six-time LaLiga winners currently reside in 18th position and the threat of relegation to the Segunda Division is very real.

But for the masterful displays of giant Georgian goalkeeper, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Valencia’s situation would be even bleaker. The stopper – who stands at an imposing 6ft 5in tall – has been by far and away their best player this season.

However, despite signing a new contract at the Mestalla in September, speculation has begun to grow Mamardashvili will be on the move this summer, irrespective of whether Valencia beat the drop.

Indeed, Spanish outlet COPE reported it’s an ‘open secret’ Mamardashvili is courting serious interest in the Premier League.

Fabrizio Romano subsequently reported the player’s agents were in London a fortnight ago. Their aim, per the reporter, was to sound out interest over a summer switch to England.

COPE claimed Man Utd and Tottenham had made formal enquiries into a deal. For their part, Chelsea were deemed ‘ready’ to sanction a move.

However, it was Leicester City who were deemed to be ‘leading the race’ by Romano. That sentiment was later echoed by 90min who revealed Valencia are seeking around £30m for their star stopper.

Mamardashvili “expected to leave”, but not to Man Utd

Now, a fresh update from Romano has shed new light on Mamardashvili’s status. The transfer guru tweeted Mamardashvili “is expected to leave” at season’s end.

On the subject of where he’ll go, Romano named Chelsea and Tottenham as “monitoring his development”. A more concrete step has been taken by Leicester, with the Foxes confirmed to have met with the player’s agent two weeks ago.

Manchester United were curiously overlooked by Romano and not mentioned once. Whether that means they’ve pulled out of the race isn’t clear, though it’s obviously not a positive sign.

The Red Devils are believed to be seeking a high class back-up to David de Gea this summer. Mamardashvili would tick that box, though he may already be of such a high standard that he’d be unwilling to accept a bench role.

Of Tottenham, Chelsea and Leicester, a move to Spurs would arguably make the most sense for Mamardashvili.

Leicester’s chances of signing the stopper will hinge entirely on whether they’re relegated. If the Foxes don’t beat the drop it stands to reason they won’t be sanctioning £30m signings.

Spurs are known to be hunting a successor to Hugo Lloris this summer. The veteran Frenchman has suffered a steep and dramatic loss of form in recent years.

A move to Chelsea could see Edouard Mendy sold. However, Kepa Arrizabalaga has been one of very few bright sparks at Stamford Bridge this season and Mamardashvili wouldn’t be assured of replacing the Spaniard as Chelsea’s new No 1.

If Mamardashvili has a say, a move to Tottenham would appear to be his best bet.

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