Real Madrid midfielder Fede Valverde has released a statement responding to recent criticism, with Manchester United reportedly preparing a strong bid for him.

Cadena SER and Fichajes cover the situation today as drama builds around Valverde this season.

The former explain that Valverde has been forced to release a statement after recent criticism regarding comments he made before Real Madrid’s clash with Kairat Almaty.

He made it clear he was unhappy playing full-back under Xabi Alonso, insisting he wasn’t born to play in the position.

“I wasn’t born to play full-back, I didn’t grow up learning to play full-back, and when I played there, I felt proud of having done well,” he said, among other comments.

That was seen as something of dissent, despite the Uruguayan insisting he had made himself available to play wherever. Alonso rested him for the game.

Reports followed that he had refused to play on the wing. But he has insisted that was not the case in a statement dispelling such rumours. He also wanted to insist that his relationship with Xabi Alonso is a strong one.

The drama is building, though, and Fichajes report that there could be transfer stories to add to...