Valencia Open Talks With Leicester Over Adrien Silva

Valencia have opened talks over the signing of Adrien Silva from Leicester, but face competition from Sampdoria for his signature.

The Foxes spent £22m on the Portugal international in 2017, and was famously brought in 14 seconds after the transfer deadline passed, keeping him out of action until January 2018.

He has never really got going in the East Midlands, making just 14 Premier League appearances for the Foxes. Silva spent 18 months on loan at AS Monaco and it looks as though the 31-year-old's English adventure will finally come to an end this month.

According to Tuttomercatoweb, Valencia have made contact regarding Silva, but they will have to rival Serie A side Sampdoria for his signature. The same source cited I Blucerchiati's interest earlier in September, and Fabrizio Romano has also reported that the Italian side will win this particular race.

Sampdoria boss Claudio Ranieri told Portuguese TV channel RTP that he admired Silva as a player when he tried to sign him as the Leicester boss back in 2016: "We are following many players. Adrien Silva is a great player."

With just one year left on his contract, the midfielder is surplus to requirements at the King Power Stadium, and Brendan Rodgers is keen to move him on - Foot Mercato even claimed that the club won't demand a fee for his services this summer.

Valencia have sold several first-team members this summer as the club have clearly struggled financially as a consequence of the coronavirus pandemic. They've let three of their best players in Dani Parejo, Ferran Torres and Rodrigo go, and are looking for cheap options like Silva as suitable replacements.

Though his time in England hasn't worked out, Silva could still reignite his career. La Liga would arguably suit his technical play style more than the Serie A would, but it will ultimately be his decision. Both Valencia and Sampdoria will be lucky to add his experience and quality to their side.