Manchester United told Villarreal defender Mateo Musacchio available for £16.5 million

Barcelona’s Alexis and Villarreal’s Musacchio fight for the ball

Manchester United boss David Moyes has been told Villarreal defender Mateo Musacchio will cost at least £16.5 million, according to TalkSport.

The Argentine centre-back has been linked with a move to Old Trafford following uncertainty over the futures of long-term servants Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand.

The 23 year-old is reportedly on Moyes’ radar but The Scot faces competition from Serie A side Fiorentina, who have a growing contingent of ex-Villarreal stars, according to the player’s representative.

“Musacchio’s contract expires in 2018 and his market value is approximately £16.5 million. He is a very young player. For now it will be difficult to transfer him.

“The player would be interested in projects like Fiorentina, but we are waiting for concrete proposals in the future. We do not have any kind of scheduled meeting with their officials.

“In June we will see. He is very attached to former Villarreal players Gonzalo Rodriguez and Borja Valero and often maintains contact. The club Fiorentina is growing. I think my client would be fine with a coach like Vincenzo Montella,” declared Marcelo Lombilla.

However, despite the youngster’s preference to link up with his former team mates, his head could surely be turned by an offer from the reigning Premier League champions, but it could depend on whether The Red Devils are successful in their pursuit of a Champions League spot.