Manchester United and Aston Villa target Pedro Vite is staying put at Pumas for now. At least according to the club’s hierarchy.
We have followed weeks of reports linking the Ecuador international with a move to the Premier League. But now Pumas sporting vice-president Antonio Sancho has publicly played down the possibility of an imminent exit.
The midfielder has been linked with theCity Football Group and, more recently, Manchester United and Aston Villa. Mostly because of his impressive World Cup with Ecuador. However, despite that fuss, Pumas insist there is nothing concrete happening behind the scenes.
Pumas issue clear response
Speaking after the club wrapped up its summer recruitment, Sancho made it clear Pumas are not expecting any more transfer activity before the start of the Apertura campaign. His words were relayed by Quinto Partido in Ecuador.
“We’re complete and there are no offers for anyone, at the moment,” he said. In blunt fashion, he addressed speculation surrounding both Vite and defender Rubén Duarte.
Pumas brought in four new signings this summer – Sebastián Córdova, Fernando Beltrán, Gerardo Arteaga and Diego Herrera – and Sancho suggested the club’s work in the market is now over.
The comments also serve as the club’s strongest response yet to the growing speculation surrounding Vite’s future.
Different message from recent reports
Sancho’s stance contrasts with recent reports from Mexico. In those reports, Pedro Vite’s departure has been portrayed as almost certain following his World Cup displays.
Instead, Pumas’ sporting vice-president says there are currently no offers on the table and the club considers its squad complete heading into the new season.
That does not necessarily mean interest from England has disappeared, but it does suggest there has been no formal breakthrough despite the reports linking the Ecuadorian with Manchester United and Aston Villa.
For now, Pumas may be given the opportunity of maintaining a key player. Vite remains their midfielder, and nobody has made a move the club are prepared to acknowledge.