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Manchester United have failed with a bid for David Silva, according to the player's agent.

Sir Alex Ferguson is eager to bring a new forward to Old Trafford before the transfer window closes, but the midfielder, who plays in an advanced role for Valencia and Spain, would rather stay in his home country than move to the Barclays Premier League.

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," he 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."

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The 22-year-old has been closely linked with a number of clubs this summer, including 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," he 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."

Vicente Soriano, the Valencia president, is confident that both Silva and 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 this summer.

However, Soriano told Marca: "I can assure you that Villa and Silva will continue this season at Valencia."