Highly-rated 18-year-old Fran Villalba has signed a new four-year deal at Valencia, despite reported interest from Manchester United.
The central midfielder’s previous deal has been due to expire in 2018 and had €4m release clause and talks of a new contract had stalled due to numerous managerial changes.
"Very happy to renew my contract for four more years with the team of my life. Now it's time to work hard to add my grain of sand to this great club,” Villalba said on a statement on his twitter account.
Super Deporte, which had initially reported that a new deal would be signed, say that the release clause on the midfielder’s contract has been ‘significantly increased’.
Former Valencia boss Gary Neville had reportedly recommended the teenager to Manchester United, speculation that was dismissed by his brother Phil – a former coach at both clubs.
Villalba has played for Valencia's B side in Segunda B this season, despite breaking into the first-team squad under the former England full-back.
Image courtesy of @franvillalba10