Llorente: Mata is going nowhere

Posted on | Tuesday, July 12, 2011 | No Comments

Valencia president Juan Manuel Mata Llorente insists is "not for sale."

Mata was part of the Spanish team, which sealed the first World Cup victory exactly one year ago today, and played for their under-21 side in their recent league victory.

Several Premiership sides are believed to be interested in the 23-year-old, which would cost about $ 20 million, but is adamant it will not be Valencia Mestalla.

"We have no intention of selling, and we have not received any formal offer for the player," said Llorente Valencia-based sports daily Superdeporte.

"The news that there was no paper, no more than speculation - Juan Mata is not for sale".

Lllorente says Valencia will seek to strengthen their team this summer, not weaken it.

"Our plan this summer is to make our best team and the moment our priority is to bring a central defender," he said.

Valencia, Almeria forward Pablo Piatti signed last week, but the Argentine is seen as a substitute Joaquin, who joined from Malaga.