According to reports from The Daily Star this morning, Manchester City and Manchester United will both launch bids for Valencia centre-back Nicolas Otamendi at some point this week.
The Argentina international has just come to the end of a formidable campaign at the Mestalla, netting six times in 35 La Liga appearances whilst averaging 2.9 tackles, 3.1 interceptions, 7.3 clearances and 3.5 successful aerial duels per match.
That’s triggered interest from Premier League title contenders Manchester City and Manchester United, whilst La Liga giants Real Madrid were also linked with the 27 year-old last month.
>>> Keep up to date with ALL of the Premier League’s confirmed summer transfers <<<
And according to reports from The Daily Star – citing Spanish newspaper SuperDeporte – both Manchester outfits will launch bids for Otamendi at some point this week after holding meetings with agent Jorge Mendes on Saturday. It follows the 6 foot defender telling Valencia that he won’t return for pre-season training on July 27th.
Otamendi’s contract includes a £35million release clause, but the Manchester rivals are expected to bid less.