'I Don't Think Juve Has Spoken With United, But I Can't Exclude It'

Manchester United could be set for another blow in the January transfer window, with Antonio Valencia's agent remaining coy on rumours of a move to Italy.

Valencia has been an integral member at Old Trafford since the winger moved to the club in 2009, but with the emergence of Ashley Young, and Nani and Park Ji-Sung in top form, competition for the wing position is tougher than ever.

And though Valencia has made 15 appearances for United this season, scoring two goals for the side, the 26 year old would consider all possibilities come January, according to Diego Larrea Herrera.

"I am aware of rumours of Juventus' interest, but for my part there is nothing concrete," Larrea toldcalciomercato.com.

"In the past, some Italian clubs were interested in the player but not in recent times.

"I don't think that Juve has spoken with Manchester United because I was not informed, but I cannot exclude it as a possibility.

"I see it as very difficult that he leaves United, first of all because he has recently signed a new four-year deal and because he and his family are very well in Manchester.

"But in football, never say never."

Manchester United have endured a particularly tough couple of weeks; the side lost Nemanja Vidic to a season-ending injury in their Champions League match up with FC Basel, and that wasn't the only disappointment of the night - United were also ousted from the competition after losing to the Swiss side 2-1.

And this week, Darren Fletcher was ruled out of action for an 'extended period,' with the central midfielder struggling to recover from an ongoing illness.

The one upside of the past 10 days was United's response to their defeat in the Champions League, as the Red Devils stormed to a 4-1 win over Wolves at the weekend. Wayne Rooney was instrumental in the win, increasing hopes that he might return to his top match-winning form.

While Sir Alex Ferguson has insisted in the past that he wouldn't purchase players in January, the manager's hand looks set to be forced, with Michael Carrick and Ryan Giggs the only two healthy central midfielders by trade.

Valencia's agent's revelations will do the club no favours, as United struggle for depth in every position on the pitch.

In fact, the wing position is currently on of the few that can display a clean bill of health, with top strikers, defenders and midfielders all being ruled out with lengthy spells.