Fores: Alba eyes Valencia stay

Manchester United target Jordi Alba is ready to sign a new contract at Valencia, quashing rumours he is poised to move to the Premier League.

According to talkSPORT, the 23-year-old Spanish international has been heavily linked with a summer switch to England, despite the fact that Barcelona are also rumoured to be interested in his signature.

Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson is believed to be on the lookout for a new full-back to replace stand-in captain Patrice Evra, but it appears the Scot will now have to turn his attention to alternative options.

Speaking to Spanish newspaper Marca, Alba's agent Vicente Fores explained: "It is absolutely false, a big lie and an outrage that someone has said that Jordi has signed with Barcelona.

"We are very close to reaching an agreement for the extension of his contract with Valencia."

However, those Manchester United fans still hoping Alba's Old Trafford transfer may still be possible, will cling on to the fact that Fores suggested the ongoing speculation could potentially put pay to his client's new deal at the Mestalla.

"In short, we can complete the contract extension with his current club but all of this speculation might have hindered those negotiations."

After strengthening their defence with the signing of Phil Jones and Chris Smalling in the past two seasons, Ferguson is expected to re-enter the market again in June as he continues his search for long-term successors to replace the old guard.