Valencia set sights on defender previously linked with Barcelona and Arsenal

Valencia have been given the green light by owner Peter Lim to move for a right-back in the January transfer window and have set their sights on Ivan Fresneda. The former Real Valladolid right-back was linked to a string of top teams including Arsenal and Barcelona for €9m before his move to Sporting CP, but has yet to make his presence felt in Portugal.

According to Relevo, Los Che are interested in a loan deal for Fresneda as they seek cover for Thierry Correia, who has been ruled out for the rest of the season due to a cruciate ligament injury. He fits perfectly with Valencia: cheap, young and talented. He also has experience in La Liga, although it is noted that Sporting are losing sporting director Hugo Viana and have just appointed Joao Pereira as their new manager, which could change things.

Fresneda played just 203 minutes this season and made only two appearances all season. The 20-year-old undoubtedly has talent and the physical foundation to become a good right-back, but some felt his profile dipped to the level of his development after some strong early performances. In particular, he dealt well with Vinicius Junior in one match for La Pucela, causing scouts to look for him.