Real Madrid might need to assure Federico Valverde about his role in the team amid the Uruguayan reportedly receiving an astronomical offer. The versatile midfielder has been used at right-back on many occasions this season but he's previously made clear he prefers to play in the middle of the park.
Valverde has come to the fore several times this season including in the 2-1 win against Atletico Madrid in the Supercopa de Espana semi-final. He scored a stunning strike to open the scoring and was a key man in the Madrid derby victory.
But the 27-year-old might have a decision to make over his future soon given he has garnered interest from the Premier League. He has just over three years left on his contract with Los Blancos so there's no pressure for the club to sell this summer.
Madrid offered €120m for Valverde
Valverde is on Manchester United's radar as the Premier League giants look to strengthen their midfield. He has been at the Bernabeu since 2018 but an offer that has arrived from Old Trafford is said to be seducing the Uruguay international.
According to E-Noticies, United have offered €120m for Valverde and that he is "not happy with his current role at Madrid." He is said to need a project that "trusts him as a complete midfielder."
United can offer him such a role, given Casemiro looks likely to leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season. Manuel Ugarte has failed to impress since joining from Paris Saint-Germain and that could pave the way for Valverde to partner English starlet Kobbie Mainoo in midfield.
It's claimed that the proposal "seduces Valverde" because of the assurances that he will play in his natural position. It seems that the Red Devils are willing to make him one of the main focuses of their team under either Michael Carrick or a new permanent manager come next season.
Real Madrid won't sell Valverde; Casemiro could be key for United
Every player has their price but it seems extremely unlikely that Madrid will be open to selling Valverde even if such a huge fee is presented to them. He is one of the most important players in Alvaro Arbeloa's squad and can perform various roles.
The only concern is Valverde's apparent unhappiness at being used in positions other than midfield. This isn't the first time such claims have been made, as talk in Spain suggests he wasn't pleased with the role under former coach Xabi Alonso.
Valverde might also be tempted to join Casemiro at United if the Brazilian extends his contract. He was close with the Los Blancos hero who left for England in the summer of 2022 (via Managing Madrid):
"I really admire Casemiro and will always be grateful to him. He’s like a father figure. He sits next to me in the dressing room and always gives me a lot of advice."
But Madrid control the situation because of the length left on his contract and he has never publicly suggested he'd consider leaving the Bernabeu. It might take even more than €120m to get Florentino Perez to consider a sale.