Valencia executive president Amadeo Salvo has warned Manchester United that they will have to pay £35 million to buy Nicolas Otamendi, reports the Daily Star.
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The Argentina international’s agent Eugenio Lopez had earlier claimed that his client had wanted out of the La Liga club for the last two months, and was willing to do anything to make the move happen. However, it would seem that the Mestalla hierarchy are less keen on the transfer, unless the right price can be found for the 27-year-old who is contracted until 2019 with the Spanish team.
This could prove a stumbling block in negotiations, with the Red Devils believing that the centre-back is only worth £21 million. However, they are also willing to offer Javier Hernandez to sweeten the deal, which could change the minds of Los Murcielagos.
Salvo said: “Otamendi is a Valencia player and if he wants to leave I wait for him to tell us formally. If his agent has an offer I only warn him that the price is 50m euros (£35m) and that we will decide the form of payment.
“Valencia have not received any offer. We are very happy with the player and we would like that he sees out his contract with us. Valencia do not give in to pressure from any agent or any comments. If Otamendi wants to leave he will have to say it publicly.”
United are in need of defensive recruits after having to rely heavily on goalkeeper David De Gea this season. There is no guarantee that the 24-year-old will be in the same form next time round, or will even be at the club with the Daily Mirror claiming a deal is almost done for the stopper.