Man City sign Otamendi from under United’s noses for £31.7m

Unlike rivals Manchester United, Coral’s 11/10 Premier League title favourites Man City have wasted no time in completing a deal for Argentina centre back Nicolas Otemendi, after they snapped up the star for a reported £31.7m fee on a five-year deal from under their neighbours’ noses from Valencia.

As if the Citizens’ start to the season couldn’t have gone well enough, after recording two 3-0 wins from their opening fixtures, including most recently against reigning champions Chelsea. They have now signed one of the most highly-rated defenders in Europe.

Otamendi said: “I am here to give my best, to fight game by game and push City to the highest peaks for as long as possible, and I wish we will be able to win several cups and titles.

“That’s the most important. To be here inside a club that looks so wonderful from the outside is a dream.”

#mcfc are delighted to announce the signing of @Notamendi30 Full story: http://t.co/liMiPMjOae #WelcomeNicolas pic.twitter.com/1yrH3NYDmz

— Manchester City FC (@MCFC) August 20, 2015

At the age of 27, Argentine quarter-centurion Otamendi is in the prime of his career having highly impressed for the Bats in his sole season for them after switching from Porto in 2013/14, spending a brief loan spell at Atletico Mineiro in-between.

What he lacks in height, relatively small for a centre back at 6ft, he certainly makes up for in ability, and Otamendi could be the perfect partner for current City captain Vincent Kompany.