Valencia have hit out at reports linking Nicolas Otamendi to Manchester United by claiming they want him to stay at the Mestalla for a very long time, reports the Daily Express.
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The 27-year-old only moved to the La Liga side last summer from Porto, but has impressed enough in his debut season to merit interest from the Premier League giants. In fact, the Red Devils are apparently so keen on the centre-back that they are willing to pay his £36 million release clause in order to bring him to Old Trafford.
The Argentine has been at the heart of manager Nuno Espirito Santo’s defence this season, helping them to a great record of conceding only 29 goals in their 36 matches so far. This has helped the side in to the top four of the Spanish top flight and Champions League qualification.
United boss Louis van Gaal is probably so interested in the player because of the rocky time his back line has been having this season. They have had to rely heavily on goalkeeper David De Gea to help them win points this season, and Otamendi could be the answer to their problems.
However, Valencia sporting director Francisco Rufete is not going to let the player go without a fight.
He said: “We are very clear about Otamendi. We want him to play for us for a long time to come. Nico knows that and so far he’s not come to met to say he wants to speak about things being different from that. As soon as the season is over, we’ll be talking to him about staying for longer.”