Manchester United are no longer chasing Valencia’s Nicolas Otamendi, but remain intent on signing Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos.
According to Super Deporte, much to the contrary of reports over the past week that the Argentina international looked certain to make the move to Old Trafford, Louis van Gaal is no longer interested in signing the centre-back.
The Spanish newspaper claims that with the Red Devils having allegedly had a €35m offer rejected, the Premier League giants will not be returning with an improved second bid, and will now focus their attentions on securing the signature of Ramos.
Despite the words of new Los Blancos manager Rafael Benitez – who voiced his confidence that the club’s vice-captain would not leave the Santiago Bernabeu this summer [via Sky Sports] – Super Deporte suggest that United may not have given up hope on luring the former Sevilla star to the Theatre of Dreams.
The report, however, certainly contradicts the comments of van Gaal on Thursday night – who frustratingly described speculation linking the Spain international with United as simply ‘rubbish’, and went on to slam the journalists responsible for the rumours:
“There is so much in the papers but it is not true,” as quoted by the Independent.
“He is writing always rubbish, and then it is true. In the media it is true. No, it is not true.”
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The news that United may no longer interested in Otamendi may come as a huge blow to the player himself.
The 27-year-old appears desperate to exit the Mestalla Stadium this summer, with reports from the Independent even stating that the defender is willing to go on strike to force his transfer this summer.
Nonetheless, with the Red Devils rumoured to have left the race for Otamendi, this may allow Manchester City to pounce.
The Express claimed, three days ago, that the former FC Porto star was set to decide between the two English heavyweights – which may therefore leave Manuel Pellegrini free to pounce on his signature in the coming weeks.