Manchester United are prepared to release club captain Antonio Valencia this month.

Newcastle and Fulham are keen on the out-of-favour star, says The Sun.

Toon boss Rafa Benitez is keen if United will pay up Valencia's contract while Fulham are also interested after missing out on first choice Victor Moses from Chelsea.

Other clubs are looking at a loan option for Valencia, 33, and taking on his £100,000-plus weekly wage for the rest of the term.

Valencia is shocked by United letting him go so soon and was happy to play out the campaign.

United are also set to move on full-back Matteo Darmian, 29, and both he and Valencia may leave Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's squad in the next few days.