Valencia Star David Silva Unlikely To Join Manchester United - Guillem Balague

Spanish journalist Guillem Balague has poured doubt on Manchester United's chances of signing David Silva from Valencia in January.

Sir Alex Ferguson's overtures were initially rejected by the Spanish international in 2008 but, with Valencia facing an uncertain future, Silva has since expressed greater affinity for the Premier League champions.

United tactically declined to reinvest the £80 million received from the Cristiano Ronaldo transfer; fearing that replacement prices would be dramatically inflated given the precedent that Real Madrid set in the summer market.

Instead, United opted for Antonio Valencia - yet to become a global star - and cheap, blossoming talent such as Adem Lljajic and Gabriel Obertan.

With the spotlight of Ronaldo's departure dimming, Ferguson could intensify transfer plans in January.

Silva is far from the mould of Ronaldo and would not directly replace Ryan Giggs - nearing the end of his glittering career - as he has different strengths. The 23-year-old is more of a possession midfielder; a player that critics felt United sorely lacked in last season's Champions League final loss to Barcelona.

Valencia surprised many by keeping star assets Silva and David Villa at the Mestalla in spite of mounting debts.

Sky Sport's La Liga pundit Guillem Balague feels that the situation is improving at Valencia and the funds player sales would garner are no longer a necessity.

He told Sky Sports News: “I am convinced that even if an offer comes in for Silva that Valencia will not accept it for several reasons.

“Firstly, they want to finish in the top four and then they will sell Silva in the summer because they are financially sound for this year.”

The attacking midfielder previously rejected United because he wanted to stay in his native Spain. Balague believes that this would be even more important to Silva this year.

“Secondly, we are building up to the World Cup year and Silva is an important part of the national team so it has been agreed by the players and his advisors that he needs stability, so he is going to stay for the rest of the season.” he added.