MANCHESTER UNITED have failed with a bid for Spain forward David Silva, according to the player’s agent. United manager Alex Ferguson is eager to bring a new attacker to Old Trafford before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.

However, Silva, who plays in an advanced role for Valencia and his country, would rather stay in Spain than move to the Premier League. Agent Julio Llorente, who represents Silva, has stated a bid from United was turned down by Valencia.

“Manchester United made an offer for David Silva, but this has been turned down by Valencia,” Llorente said. “Silva doesn’t want to play in England because he is happy at Valencia.

“His family are settled and if he was to move it would only be to another Spanish club, like Real Madrid or Barcelona. David Silva will start the new season at Valencia.”

Silva (22) has been closely linked with a number of clubs this summer, including European champions United and Liverpool, but Llorente insists his client has no intention of moving abroad anytime soon.

Llorente did not rule out the possibility of the Euro 2008 winner leaving Valencia later this summer, although he did admit the Primera Liga club hold the key to any possible departure.

“I can say that David Silva wants to play in Spain next season,” Llorente said. “I don’t know where he will play, it could be Valencia, but it will be for a team here in Spain. He doesn’t want to play in another country at the moment.

“Valencia have the power in their hands. David Silva can’t go to another team because he has a contract for five more years.”

Media reports suggest Silva will cost more than €25 million.

Valencia president Vicente Soriano is confident that both Silva and fellow striker David Villa will remain at the club for the coming year. Like his fellow Spain international Silva, Villa has been linked with a big-money move away from Valencia this summer.

However, Soriano was reported as saying: “I can assure you that Villa and Silva will continue this season at Valencia.”

Meanwhile, United veteran Ryan Giggs is approaching this season in the same manner as the last two campaigns – as if it could be his last.

The 34-year-old has not indicated that he will be ready to hang up his boots when his contract expires in a year and Ferguson previously stated he believes the midfielder can continue beyond that date, but it is simply one of the motivational tools Giggs uses to keep going.

“In the last couple of seasons I’ve always gone into competitions as if it were my last,” Giggs said. “I’m not getting any younger, and it could be.

“That’s my motivation, to stay in the team and to win things because you want to experience what we did last season. That’s what motivates me, wanting to win trophies.”