Erik Lira’s agent meets Braulio Vázquez in Paterna

Erik Lira’s agent met Braulio Vázquez in Paterna, a visit that has revived speculation about the midfielder’s future. Lira, 26, currently plays for Cruz Azul and has established himself among the most prominent defensive midfielders in Mexican football. His name is once again being discussed in connection with Valencia.

Tarek Sebiat, StayPro’s head of Europe and representative of the Mexico international, visited the Ciudad Deportiva de Paterna on Tuesday for a brief meeting with Valencia sporting director Braulio Vázquez. Asked after leaving about the Cruz Azul player’s situation, Sebiat offered only a brief response: “Good player. No comment.”

The visit came after Javier Aguirre was asked about Lira at his introductory press conference. “He is a friend of mine and a sensational player, like other players over there who can play in Europe,” Aguirre said. Asked later about possible future meetings with Braulio to discuss the squad, he replied: “I can’t answer that specifically.”

Interest in Lira is not new. Monaco were prepared to offer 12 million euros this summer, but the move did not go through because no places were available for non-EU players. Aguirre and Lira have also grown closer in recent years through the Mexico national team. During Aguirre’s recent spell in charge of El Tri, Lira featured regularly in his plans, thanks in part to his tactical ability, defensive intensity and ability to play out from the back.