According to reports from Manchester Evening News this morning, Manchester United will not launch a bid for Valencia centre-back Nicolas Otamendi this summer.
The Argentina international has just come to the end of a formidable campaign at the Mestalla, netting six times in 35 La Liga appearances whilst averaging 2.9 tackles, 3.1 interceptions, 7.3 clearances and 3.5 successful aerial duels per match.
The Red Devils have been linked with Otamendi for much of the summer, allegedly viewing him as a potential alternative to Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos, whilst local rivals Manchester City are also said to be interested in the 6 foot centre-half.
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Reports last week claimed both clubs had held negotiations with the 27 year-old’s agent, the reknowned Jorge Mendes, whilst a poll from The Independent revealed 52% of United fans would rather see Otamendi than Ramos arrive at Old Trafford before the end of the transfer window.
But according to a Manchester Evening News exclusive, Manchester United aren’t interested in signing Otamendi, whose contract includes a £35million release clause. They claim the Albiceleste star’s name has never come into van Gaal’s consideration, with United believing Valencia are using the club to try and ramp up interest.
With that in mind, it will be interesting to see who the Carrington outfit turn to next. They’ve already been snubbed by Borussia Dortmund’s Mats Hummels, whilst Ramos is reportedly set to sign a new contract at the Bernabeu.
To be honest Man Utd are very close to having an outrageous squad. I think they are one experienced centre back away (Ramos would have been perfect) from having a first XI capable of challenging for the title.
They’ve completely overhauled the midfield; having Schneiderlin, Carrick, Schweinsteiger, Herrera, Blind (and Fellaini), as well as signing Darmian to fill the problem role at right back has solved some quite serious issues the squad had last season. Despite the pre-season lineups, presumably Blind is not a serious option at centre back, and the Jones-Smalling partnership isn’t close to strong enough to sustain a title challenge.
I think they need a Ramos or an Otamendi, or someone of that ilk. A title-winning centre back and a leader with plenty of experience who is physically capable and comfortable enough on the ball to maintain a high pressing system and dominate possession in the style that a typical van Gaal side demands. I’m not sure who else is really available at the moment; Miranda has already gone to Inter (and as a result I can’t imagine Atletico would be willing to relinquish Godin). I suppose they could have a crack at signing Vertonghen, but a Vertonghen-Alderweireld partnership seems like the most solid Tottenham have had since Kaboul’s salad days. (And just to think they could have had Distin for free… heh)