Antonio Valencia 'resigned to leaving Manchester United'

Manchester United defender Antonio Valencia is said to have resigned himself to leaving the club in the near future.

The 33-year-old has been at Old Trafford for almost 10 years but is out of contract at the end of the current campaign.

United have the option to trigger a one-year extension, although that is due to expire in March and the club are rumoured to have indicated that he could depart this month on a free transfer.

According to the Manchester Evening News, Valencia "concedes he is struggling to meet the demands of a United full-back" but "is keen to prolong his career elsewhere".

The Ecuadorian has struggled with knee problems over the last two years and has made just one top-flight start for United in the last four months.

Relegation-threatened duo Newcastle United and Fulham are among the sides thought to be interested in a move for Valencia should he be permitted to leave United.