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Manchester United's January transfer plans taking shape with Jose Mourinho eyeing Valencia's Carlos Soler
Mourinho still wants a winger and regrets missing out on Inter's Ivan Perisic but is aware that funds in what will be a quiet winter window will be tight
The absence of the French star due to a hamstring problem has suddenly seen United forced to play a much less expansive game without his passing, having left Mourinho with few alternative options in midfield.
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Soler has meanwhile greatly impressed United staff in the 11 months since making his debut for Valencia in December.
Even though he is just 20, the Spanish under-21 international has shown many qualities United lack as well as a maturity, and would likely cost around £40m.
United have also considered the possibility of offering Andreas Pereira - who is currently thriving on loan at Valencia - plus cash for Soler.
Valencia are enjoying something of a revival on the sporting side, second in the league and thriving under new coach Marcelino but the club is still in a financial hole.
This year they recorded a €26m deficit, their third consecutive annual loss. Those losses stack up to around €70m and despite their lofty league position there is an understanding that it would be financially disastrous if they cannot find a way to return to the Champions League.
Sources inside the Spanish club insist that Soler, an academy product, is way down the list of players that they want to sell but, equally, concede that a big offer from United would force the hand of a club still struggling to balance the books.
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