Nicolas Otamendi’s potential summer transfer to Manchester United hinges on whether or not the Red Devils are willing to meet his €50million release clause, according to reports in Spain.
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Valencia-based media outlet Plaza Deportiva have reported that the La Liga outfit are desperate to hold on to the highly-rated defender but will be forced in to doing business if United meet the player’s release clause.
Reports in the English media over the weekend [via Mirror Sport] claimed a verbal agreement between the two clubs had been reached with the Argentine international set to pen a four-year deal.
However, it would appear unless the offer is €50million then Otamendi is likely to stay put as Valencia’s billionaire owner Peter Lim is determined to get full value for the 27-year-old.
This news could force United manager Louis van Gaal into switching targets in order to strengthen the defensive department at Old Trafford ahead of the new season.
The Dutchman is expected to sign at least one centre-back this summer and has been linked with moves for a host of defenders since the last day of the Premier League season.
Atletico Madrid’s experienced Brazilian Joao Miranda emerged as a potential target over the weekend, with reports in Metro Sport suggesting that United could pip rivals Chelsea to defender’s signature for £20million.
In addition promising England under-21 international John Stones has been tipped to follow in the footsteps of Wayne Rooney and Marouane Fellaini in swapping Everton for Old Trafford in the summer [via Mail Sport].
It would appear that Otamendi is van Gaal’s first choice defensive target but unless he is willing to splash the cash once again, he could be forced into abandoning the chase for the former Porto man.