Manchester United's Preference of Antonio Valencia Should See Juventus Sign Nani

Former Juventus midfielder Attilio Lombardo has urged the Serie A champions to launch a bid for Manchester United winger Nani.

The Portuguese international was left out of the United squad for the opening weekend trip to Swansea City and is unlikely to be involved against Chelsea on Monday.

Nani's involvement during pre-season was sporadic due to a nose injury but the 26 year old claimed he would fight for his place at United in David Moyes' first season in charge at Old Trafford

But Lombardo, who has seen Juventus make just three signings in the summer transfer window, has suggested the Italian giants move for the United man.

"Nani would be the ideal addition for Juventus. He would make them even more competitive," he told Tuttosport.

"He no longer seems as hard to sign as before now that United seemingly prefer [Antonio] Valencia on the right.

"Juventus don't have a player like him at the moment."

Despite high-profile injury problems across the last few years, which included a double-leg break in 2010, Valencia was almost an ever present for United last season, making 40 appearances.

By contrast, Nani made just 21 appearances for United and with Ashley Young returning to full fitness and Wilfried Zaha having joined from Crystal Palace, competition for places is likely to be fiercer than ever.

Nani has failed to endear himself to United supporters during his six years in English football, being unable to hold down a place in the first team while his form has wavered throughout.

The ex-Sporting Lisbon player has previously been linked with moves to Anzhi Makhachkala and Paris Saint Germain but with no new additions having been made at United, Nani appears set to stay at the Premier League champions.