Antonio Valencia 'close to leaving Manchester United on a free'

Manchester United reportedly risk losing Antonio Valencia for nothing because of a clause in the Ecuadorian full-back's contract.

Valencia is now into the ninth year of his Old Trafford stay and is tied down for a further eight months.

The Red Devils have the option of extending his contract by a further year, but The Sun claims that they are stalling and may now wave goodbye to the 33-year-old on a free.

If United fail to trigger the clause in Valencia's existing deal by March 1, the former Wigan Athletic winger can begin discussing terms with other clubs.

Teams in Germany and Turkey are said to be monitoring the situation, ready to make a move in early 2019 if it becomes clear that Valencia is no longer wanted at United.