Manchester United and Arsenal are reportedly scouting Valencia defender Nicolas Otamendi, and could start a bidding war to get their hands on the expensive Argentinian.
The 26-year-old is highly rated and Valencia have a massive buyout clause in the defender’s contract, but that hasn’t stopped the two English clubs.
Arsenal are after Villarreal’s Gabriel Paulista, but have been monitoring Otamendi for some time, as have United. Scouts from Old Trafford were rumoured to have stepped up their pursuit of Otamentdi by attending Valencia’s game against Almeria on Saturday, but the defender picked up an ankle injury.
Spanish journalist and pundit Guillem Balague tweeted earlier that an offer from United in the region of €35 million had been rejected.
A couple of transfer stories: MUFC made a €35m offer for Otamendi that has been rejected. More on @revistadelaliga 6pm today
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) January 19, 2015
United have been hit hard in the defensive areas this season, with Marcus Rojo, Phil Jones, Luke Shaw and Jonny Evans spending time on the sidelines injured. A move for Otamendi would be expensive, but potentially worthwhile as there is a gaping hole to fill.
A transfer would also mean the futures of Paddy McNair and Tyler Blackett would be over at the club, with both youngsters out of contract and out of form.
