Valencia and Argentina defender Nicolas Otamendi may have been one of Manchester United's targets in this transfer window, but it seems he is now close to joining rivals Manchester City for £28.5 million.
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According to the Daily Mail, the deal is a complicated one as the defender's club, Valencia, still owes City a portion of the £24 million it cost for striker Alvaro Negredo, who made the move back to Spain last summer.
The signing would be a bit of a surprise as City already have four centre backs, but it's believed they will loan out Eliaquim Mangala, who has struggled in the Premier League since joining the side, if the deal goes through.
Otamendi has a buyout clause of £35 million, but Valencia could reduce the price for City because of the money they still owe them.
Reports in Spain claim the deal is done, with Mangala joining Los Che on loan as part of the package. Ironically, the Frenchman formed a strong defensive partnership with Otamendi at FC Porto before City paid £42 million for him last summer.
It is understood the 27-year-old Argentine asked to be excused from training this weekend and has said his farewells to his Valencia teammates. Club staff have also been told to prepare for his departure and believe the player could fly to Manchester as early as Monday to complete his move.
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Otamendi made 38 appearances for Valencia last season and managed to score six goals along the way.
If City is to sign Otamendi, do you think they will lift the Premier League title this season? Have your say in the comments section below.
