Man Utd Agree Personal Terms With Argentine Ace Ahead Of Proposed €50m Move

As the opening of the summer transfer window approaches, managers are working hard identifying targets and lining-up potential deals so we’ll bring you all the news and gossip. Today, Manchester United are closing in on the signing of Nicolas Otamendi…..

Manchester United appear to be closing in on the signing of Valencia defender Nicolas Otamendi after agreeing personal terms ahead of a proposed €50m move this summer, according to reports.

United boss Louis van Gaal is expected to be busy in the transfer market this summer as he looks to try and build a squad capable of challenging of top honours again next season and a central defender is understood to be high on his priority list.

It seems the Dutchman is intent on getting his business done early as he’s already wrapped-up the signing of Memphis Depay and it looks as though he’s now closing in on another big-money deal.

The Metro are citing reports coming from Spanish outlet Marca who claim United have now agreed personal terms with Otamendi worth €5m (£3.5m) per season – which is triple his current wage at Valencia.

The Argentinean centre-back has been strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford over the past year and rumours of United renewing their interest emerged after reports suggested Mats Hummels had decided to remain at Borussia Dortmund.

Otamendi has enjoyed a superb season at the Mestalla, with his no-nonsense defending helping Valencia climb to fourth in the La Liga table and on the cusp of qualifying for the Champions League.

However, if these reports are to be believed then the 27-year-old looks set for a move to England this summer. All that remains is for United to agree a fee with Valencia but the Metro claims that van Gaal will need to meet the players €50m (£36.5m) buy-out clause to force the Spanish side into a sale.

READ MORE –> Man Utd transfer news

We’ll have to wait and see whether United agree to match that figure of it they try and negotiate a better deal, but Otamendi would be an excellent addition if they can pull it off as he’s the type of defender van Gaal could build his defence around next season.

Chris Smalling has made huge strides this year so if Otamendi does come in then I suspect it will be Jonny Evans and Phil Jones who are most at risk, but I think it will be the Northern Irishman who will be sold to make way for the new arrival.