22 August 2007, by Lorna Danion

Doubts persist over Miguel’s future

Roma and Aston Villa linked to Portugal right-back

The future of Portuguese right-back Miguel has again been called into question, after it emerged that the Valencia defender’s agent has been sounding out clubs interested in his client’s signature.

Miguel has been involved in a long-standing contract debate with Los Ches, who have so far been unwilling to agree to the player’s request to extend his current deal for a further two years, following his impressive impact since moving to Spain in 2005.

According to local Valencia paper Super Delporte, the former Benfica man’s agent has been in dialogue with Italian side Roma over the last few days. The Serie A club are currently in the hunt for a right-back, with Real Madrid’s Cicinho their first priority.

The club from the Italian capital believed that they were on the verge of a deal for Cicinho, until Madrid pulled out of the transfer earlier this week. The Italian club have since spoken with Miguel’s agent, Paulo Barbosa, about the possibility of the 27-year-old as an alternative to the Brazilian.

If they cannot finalise a move for Cicinho, Roma are believed to be willing to increase Miguel’s salary, although Valencia would likely prove difficult negotiators given the Portuguese international’s high standing at the club.

Should Roma manage to agree terms on the Cicinho transfer, Barbosa has also received positive reactions from England regarding his client, with Aston Villa another club keen on Miguel.

Villa, who were priced out of a move for Porto’s Jose Bosingwa, would appear an unlikely option, given that the club are not currently involved in European competition.

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