Manchester City are looking to beat Manchester United to the signature of Valencia defender Nicolas Otamendi, according to reports.
United had been heavily linked with a deal for the 27-year-old, however The Daily Mail reports Valencia are confident that City will table a bid before the end of the transfer window.
City boss Manuel Pellegrini is believed to be keen to bolster his defensive stocks after Vincent Kompany and Eliaquim Mangala struggled to gel last season and the cashed-up Premier League side failed to defend its league crown.
According to the report, Valencia are keen to sell the Argentine international to fund more signings ahead of the La Liga season.
Otamendi is understood to have a £35m buy-out clause, but it remains to be seen if City are willing to splash the cash on the former FC Porto man.
Valencia have been adamant they will only allow Otamendi to leave if a club match the player’s £35m release clause, and it remains to be seen if City are willing to splash the cash on the centre-back.
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