Man Utd have already been given clear transfer instruction by £87m target and family

Manchester United's interest in Valencia starlet Javi Guerra is heating up again, despite the Spanish club firmly rebuffing approaches two summers ago. Erik ten Hag had eyed Guerra during his second full off-season at the helm of United. The 22-year-old, with a tempting £87million buyout clause, had garnered serious consideration from the Red Devils' decision-makers.

But Valencia were able to keep hold of their midfielder. Their top football executive, Miguel Angel Corona, was adamant in his stance at the time, telling the Daily Mail: "We are fully aware that we have a player with enormous potential for the future and the ability to perform at a good level now. That is why the club have decisively moved him up to the first team in recent months. It is not in our plans to sell him to any club.

"For us, the emergence of Javi Guerra has not been a surprise. We have been aware of what he is capable of for a long time, we have been helping him and demanding more from him every step of the way, from youth level to the elite.

"He has to continue working in this way. We have to be cautious when making assessments about his level or how far he will be able to go, as he is a young player and has a long way ahead of him, but only he, with his day-to-day work, will determine where his limit is."

Guerra himself, back in May 2023, revealed that his family has been a grounding force, encouraging him to stay true to his roots at Valencia: "They advise me to stay the same, not to change because all this has cost a lot of work and we have to continue like this."

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The decision strikes a hard note for Ten Hag, as well as Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, both of whom had their eye on the bright prospect.

United are reportedly ready to throw their hat back in the ring for Guerra. With strides already made to fortify their attacking line through the addition of Matheus Cunha from Wolves and the chase for Brentford ace Bryan Mbeumo, Ruben Amorim isn't neglecting midfield reinforcements.

Italian outlet Calciomercato claim that Guerra is of high interest to INEOS. Despite a hefty release clause dangling above him, United could try and negotiate lower than that fee.

With Christian Eriksen leaving and Casemiro's future at the Theatre of Dreams in doubt, Amorim might be considering a younger squad to mould into his signature 3-4-3 formation.

Guerra could potentially be the perfect fit alongside Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte, especially as Kobbie Mainoo's starting position is under scrutiny due to his struggle to adapt to Amorim's style.

Guerra had an impressive run in La Liga last season, netting three goals and setting up three more in 36 appearances for Valencia, who secured a respectable 12th-placed finish.

With United ending the season in a record-low 15th place in the Premier League, Amorim will undoubtedly be keen to inject some stability and control into the midfield ahead of the upcoming season.