Valencia target Pereira wants to make it at United

ANDREAS Pereira has confirmed that Valencia want to sign him on a permanent basis but insists he still has ‘an ambition to make it at United’.

The 22-year-old joined the La Liga giants on a season-long loan deal on deadline day last summer and has gone on to make 26 appearances for the club as they close in on a return to the Champions League.

Pereira has mainly played in his natural position on the wing for Los Che rather than in the deep-lying midfield role Jose Mourinho had used him in during United’s pre-season tour. Mourinho later warned that ‘he’s playing in a position that doesn’t exist in Manchester United’.

Reports in Spain have suggested that Valencia are in talks with Pereira’s representatives about making the deal permanent and the Brazilian has now confirmed that is true.

“Valencia approached my agent and said they want to buy me which is flattering, but it wasn’t like it was reported in the media,” he told the South China Morning Post.

“People said I’d demanded talks with Jose Mourinho when I’ve demanded nothing. The Valencia coach speaks with me a lot and we have a good understanding, but as far as I’m concerned I’m still a Manchester United player, with a contract at Old Trafford until 2020 and an ambition to make it at United.

“I’ve never sought to leave United.”

Pereira recently returned to action after two months out with a thigh injury following a tackle from Barcelona’s Sergi Roberto in the Copa del Rey semi-final in February.