Real Madrid have entered the race for Valencia center back Nicholas Otamendi and are set to battle with Manchester United for the Argentina international according to reports in Mundo Deportivo.
Manchester United have been chasing the defender for over a month now following the revelation that their primary target Mats Hummels wants to stay in Germany and not move to England.
Otamandi had a tremendous season and was the only Valencia player in the La Liga team of the Year 2014-15 . .
According to Mundo Deportivo, Real Madrid have joined the race for the defender who has a a 50m release clause after signing for Valencia last season from FC Porto. The reports goes onto add that the player’s agent, Eugenio Lopez, met with Real Madrid officials to discuss the future of Otamendi.
Eugenio Lopez is expected this week to meet he officials at Valencia to present two offers on the table for Otamendi: one from Manchester United and one from Real Madrid.
Whilst there were reports earlier that the player has agreed personal terms with Manchester United, Valencia said that they will not sell Nicholas Otamendi, 27, for anything less than his release clause of a 50m.
With Valencia refusing to budge from the asking price for the player, Mundo Deportivo reckons that Jorge Mendes could be decisive for any move to happen for the player because the Portuguese has much influence in Valencia, starting with their coach Nuno, who is represented by Mendes.
The possible arrival of Otamendi at Real Madrid would mean that Pepe, Varane and Sergio Ramos have tough competition and some of them could leave this summer.
The report goes onto add that Varane has offers from Chelsea FC with Mourinho keen on the player and Sergio Ramos is subject of interest from Manchester United, the club that are in the fight with Real Madrid for Valencia’s Nicholas Otamendi.
This could turn out to be quite a transfer merry-go-around should one move were to happen.
