It has already been well-documented that Manchester United will scour the transfer market for a top quality centre-back this summer. The club have had long-standing links to the likes of Raphael Varane and Mats Hummels, as bolstering the backline has become one of Louis Van Gaal’s biggest priorities.
Another man who has featured prominently on the defensive wish list has been Valencia’s Argentine centre-back Nicolas Otamendi. Links to his services have only intensified in recent weeks, with many inferring that Otamendi is pining for a move to Old Trafford- Otamendi has appeared on social media to be enjoying the company of United’s fellow Argentines Marcos Rojo and Angel di Maria.
The former is revelling in playing the tease game, favouriting tweets from expectant United fans telling him to sell United to Otamendi. The failure to quell the rumours has now found its way to the in-demand defender, who has been speaking to ESPN about his situation:
“Valencia know very well what I want. From there, every word my agent says is obviously with my authorisation.”
“My agent fully has my authorisation to speak with whoever he needs to.”
“I’ve had a talk with the president and my agent, and he knows very well what my wish is, but for now I’ve told my agent that my head is here and I’m leaving it in his hands, to do what he needs to do.”
Otamendi is adopting that classic non-committal stance which invariably leads to further developments and a subsequent transfer, with the player’s wishes granted.
Otamendi all but confirmed that the aforementioned United duo have been playing the role of agent, getting in his ear about United:
“Well, yeah… at the moment I’m enjoying every day, enjoying Di Maria, Rojo, Tevez, Messi and lots of players who are references here.”
There is more than just a hint of Otamendi seeking pastures new in these quotes, but it is likely that any movement will depend on how far Argentina progress in the Copa America.
In the meantime, read our article on what Otamendi could bring to the table.
