Man Utd and Valencia in talks over Otamendi and Fletcher

Manchester United, 4/1 chances with Coral to win a major trophy this season, have reportedly had a £26.7m offer for Valencia centre back Nicolas Otamendi turned down, despite the Red Devils claiming no bid was made.

The Bats confirmed that their Argentina international, who has a release clause of £38.2m, is the subject of a transfer attempt, but have not said which club it is and have insisted they won’t negotiate.

But news reports suggest that Man Utd are the team interested in Otamendi, rumours perhaps caused by Sky Sports pundit Guillem Ballague. Arsenal are also apparent suitors.

Otamendi, who has 18 caps for his country, was chased by United last summer, whilst he was still at his old side Porto, but a deal could not be agreed and instead the 26-year-old was sold to the Bats for around just £10m.

With the likes of Johnny Evans, Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo all suffering injuries and/or lack of form this term, it seems the Red Devils have realised their mistake and want to go back in for Otamendi.

This transfer talk happens to coincide with Valencia’s reported interest in former Red Devils vice-captain and ex-Scotland skipper Darren Fletcher, who is out of contract at the end of the season.

The difference in that deal, though, is that the Spanish top-flight side are in the driving seat if they can wait to get midfielder Fletcher in July, by offering him a pre-contract.

Scotsman Fletcher, 30, who has spent his whole senior career at United to date, could be snapped up as soon as this January, however, with West Ham United also reported suitors. West Bromwich Albion, meanwhile, had a loan offer for him turned down earlier this month.

With Fletcher potentially on his way out of Old Trafford, perhaps to Upton Park, it could suggest that Sam Allardyce could be willing to his Alex Song, on loan from Barcelona, go the other way.