Manchester United have suffered a blow in their long chase of signing a centre-back after Nicolas Otamendi is all set to leave Valencia and join Manchester City.
The Argentine international was a star player for his national side in the 2015 Copa America as they lost to host nation Chile in the final. Prior to that, he was a key figure in the La Liga outfit’s back four.
Otamendi’s agent on numerous occasions has stressed his client will leave the current employers in the summer transfer window. So far, no deal had taken place and it was believed he would make a switch to Old Trafford.
The Independent earlier reported the South American centre-back had urged his club manager Nuno to exclude him from Valencia training as both Manchester club were chasing Otamendi’s signature.
According to Cadena Ser, Otamendi has refused to train on Sunday as he looks to force a move to the Etihad. The deal is in advanced stages and will see City spend around 40 million euros for the central defender’s services.
As a part of the deal, Eliaquim Mangala will move in the opposite direction. It is still unclear whether the French international will join Valencia on loan or a permanent transfer as he is set for an exit a year after joining City from Porto.
The Spanish report suggests Otamendi is close to completing a switch to City, which will be a massive blow for their derby rivals United. With the Red Devils losing out on Otamendi and Sergio Ramos set to sign a new deal at Real Madrid, Van Gaal need to find another player if he decides to sign a defender.
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