Manchester United have been dealt a potential killer blow in their pursuit of Valencia midfielder Javi Guerra, who has signed a new long-term contract at Mestalla.
The 22-year-old was understood to have emerged onto the Red Devils' radar after a breakthrough two years with Valencia, whom he has registered eight goals and four assists in 89 appearances for.
Los Che were determined to keep hold of Guerra for a little while longer, though, and it was reported last weekend that the Spanish side were making progress in their attempts to tie him down to a new deal.
A few details still had to be ironed out before Guerra's renewal could be rubber-stamped, but Valencia have now announced that the 2003-born prospect has extended his terms.
Guerra's new contract runs until the end of the 2028-29 season - by which time he will be 26 years old - although it is unclear whether there is any change to his €100m (£86.6m) release clause.
Man United transfer blow as Guerra signs new Valencia deal
Valencia's Javi Guerra in action on August 17, 2024
"Valencia CF have reached an agreement for the extension of Javi Guerra's contract for the next four seasons, through to June 2029," Los Che said in a statement.
"The young midfielder, one of the most outstanding talents of his generation, extends his contract with a renewal that demonstrates Valencia CF firm commitment to his development, as well as the player's desire to continue growing alongside the club.
"It also consolidates his identification with this new stage of the project, and a commitment to continuing to take steps forward as an emblematic player who is both Valencian and a homegrown VCF Academy product."
Guerra spent eight years in the Villarreal youth academy from 2011 to 2019 before joining Valencia, and the midfielder started 31 of Los Che's La Liga matches in the 2024-25 campaign.
A 21-cap Spain Under-21 international, Guerra represented his country at the recent European Championships and scored their consolation goal in a 3-1 quarter-final loss to champions England.
Amorim's midfield alternatives explored after Guerra new deal
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim on May 30, 2025
Now that Ruben Amorim has his new front three comprising Benjamin Sesko - whose signing was confirmed on Saturday - Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, the Red Devils can address any perceived deficiencies further back.
Amorim's depth in central midfield is not exactly spectacular; the Portuguese can select from Casemiro, Toby Collyer, Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo, while Mason Mount and Bruno Fernandes can do a job further back if needed.
As a result, the club are believed to have identified Brighton & Hove Albion's Carlos Baleba as a prime target, but the Seagulls could demand in excess of £100m to part ways with the former Lille protege.
Furthermore, Man United have ruled out using one of their current midfielders in a player-plus-cash deal, and Amorim also wants a new goalkeeper to arrive before the September 1 deadline.
However, amid links with the likes of Morten Hjulmand, Fermin Lopez and Atalanta BC's Ederson, it is not impossible to envisage the Red Devils adding a new lynchpin to their ranks, although outgoings may have to precede incomings now.
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