VALENCIA REBUFF PREMIERSHIP AYALA INTEREST

The experienced Argentinian international has been hugely impressive during the Mestalla club's Champions League run, and will attempt to block Leeds out again in the second leg in Spain next week.

Sir Alex Ferguson and David O'Leary have both taken note of the 27-year-old, who played in all five of his country's matches during the 1998 World Cup in France, including the penalty shoot-out victory over England.

After making his name at River Plate, he tried his luck in Italy with Napoli in 1995, before heading for Milan three years later.

The switch to La Liga has brought the best out of Ayala, and sources in Spain suggest that Premiership champions United were ready to pay around £9 million in a bid to take him to England.

Indeed, a formal bid in excess of that figure is reported to have been tabled by Ferguson's men last month.

Leeds are also believed to have developed an interest in the stopper but Valencia insist that they do not want to even begin negotiating over the player.

Hector Cuper's side realise that there could be other offers before the start of next season, but they seem determined to hang onto a defender who possesses characteristics that would mark him out as a success in The Premiership.

Ayala is a fine man-marker, who is quick and splendid in the air, and he has shown leadership qualities when captaining his country.