Man Utd extend Antonio Valencia stay

Manchester United have reportedly activated a clause in Antonio Valencia's clause which will prolong his Old Trafford stay until 2018.

The 31-year-old was free to speak to clubs overseas this month before the Red Devils decided to trigger the one-year extension on his previous deal.

Valencia has been hugely influential for the Mancunian giants over the years, and he has made the right-back position his own this season, despite not being his preferred role at the club.

The Red Devils have been on the search for a new right-back for a while with Fabinho, Nelson Semedo, and Victor Lindelof among others being linked with a potential move.

However, it seems that Jose Mourinho will halt his transfer business until the summer as he seeks to secure the perfect signing without the mid-season pressure.

Manchester United are currently sixth in the Premier League standings, 12 points adrift of league leaders Chelsea.