Manchester City are set to beat Manchester United to the signature of Valencia defender Nicolas Otamendi, according to reports.
The Argentine international has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford, however, The Daily Mail reports the Red Devils’ noisy neighbours are close to completing a £28.5m deal for the star centre-back.
As part of the deal, Valencia have asked to take much-maligned City defender Eliaquim Mangala on loan in return.
Mangala and Otamendi formed a strong partnership for FC Porto, though it would have been unlikely the pair would have lined up next to each other at the Etihad due to the presence of Vincent Kompany.
City boss Manuel Pellegrini is understood to not have made signing a defender a priority this summer, however, it is believed the Chilean is keen to make a move for any quality players that became available.
Despite initially holding out for a club to match Otamendi’s £35m release clause, Valencia are now believed to be keen sell the 27-year-old in order to bolster its squad ahead of the new season.
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