The Spanish La Liga side have reportedly made a u-turn over the sale of Bruno Soriano with Manchester United now in pole position to sign the midfielder. Villarreal President Fernando Roig appeared to be holding the 27 year old to ransom in an attempt to ease the financial pressure at the club.
Riog had previously suggested that Soriano could not be released for less than £10million leaving United boss Alex Ferguson mulling over whether the player was worth the fee.
However, now it seems Riog is prepared to negotiate that figure following the sale of Soriano’s team mate Santi Cazorla to Malaga for around £21million. The emphasis was originally on the midfielder’s sale to help balance the books but Villarreal have accepted that Soriano will now leave them in January for a far-less sum.
It remains to be seen if Sir Alex is still interested as the United boss is not one to be kept waiting for any player but rest-assured he will be more than aware of European rivals Barcelona circling the Villarreal nest. Despite the giants of Europe having a surplus of midfielders, they have had an interest in Soriano for some time but as yet have not come forward with a bid.
Soriano is believed to be regarded as the best player in his position in La liga by the Villarreal President but the lure of United and Barca will be tempting the midfielder to consider his options. United will offer the opportunity of English football and better wages which almost every player in the world would fancy a stab at. Barca on the other hand can only offer the same league except with improved wages but also the possibility of reduced first team opportunities. This would suggest Soriano may opt for a move to England but that can have its negatives given the standards at United.
Competition at United is fierce and the expectations are immensely high so it would soon be revealed how good Soriano is based on how well he adapts. Soriano though does offer more than just a midfield talent with evidence of playing at left-back. This could help Soriano increase his first team opportunities with either United or Barca.
It’s always hard to tell how good these players are that are linked with high profile clubs until they get out on the pitch. The clubs scouts will know their potential and so only time will tell whether Soriano will prove to be a real find for either club and worth the wait. If he is as good as Villarreal make him out to be they will struggle to replace him once he’s gone.
Read more of Phil Wareham-Mewse’s articles at the excellent Transfer Tavern
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