Manchester United fail in Silva bid

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Andrew Feinberg

White House Correspondent

Manchester United have failed with a bid for Spain star David Silva, according to the player's agent.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is eager to bring a new attacker to Old Trafford before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.

However Silva, who plays in an advanced role for Valencia and his country, would rather stay in Spain than move to the Barclays Premier League.

Agent Julio Llorente, who represents Silva, has stated a bid from United was turned down by Valencia.

"Manchester United made an offer for David Silva, but this has been turned down by Valencia," Llorente told Sky Sports News.

"Silva doesn't want to play in England because he is happy at Valencia.

"His family are settled and if he was to move it would only be to another Spanish club, like Real Madrid or Barcelona.

"David Silva will start the new season at Valencia."

Silva, 22, has been closely linked with a number of clubs this summer, including European champions United and Liverpool, but Llorente insists his client has no intention of moving abroad anytime soon.

Llorente did not rule out the possibility of the Euro 2008 winner leaving Valencia later this summer, although he did admit the Primera Liga club hold the key to any possible departure.

"I can say that David Silva wants to play in Spain next season," Llorente told PA Sport.

"I don't know where he will play, it could be Valencia, but it will be for a team here in Spain. He doesn't want to play in another country at the moment.

"Valencia have the power in their hands. David Silva can't go to another team because he has a contract for five more years."

Media reports suggest Silva will cost more than £20m.

Valencia president Vicente Soriano is confident that both Silva and star striker David Villa will remain at the club for the coming year.

Like his fellow Spain international Silva, Villa has been linked with a big-money move away from Valencia this summer.

However, Soriano was reported by Marca as saying: "I can assure you that Villa and Silva will continue this season at Valencia."