Man Utd boosted in pursuit of wantaway Valencia defender Otamendi

“Nicolas is happy at Valencia and with the fans, but he’s got an option to improve on a professional level.

“Nico is going to do everything [possible] to leave. There are a lot of conversations with clubs that want Otamendi. Nicolas loves everything at Valencia but, if the chance arose to leave, he’d do everything possible to make it happen.”

Van Gaal has already snapped up PSV’s talented wingman Memphis Depay for £25m, and a swoop for £45m-rated Otamendi could be on the cards as well, with the United boss revealing the club plan to begin a squad overhaul.

“I have talked with every player. Those I think I have to talk to,” stated Van Gaal.

“The transfer period is a process. I know which players have to go and which players have to come but you never know if they go or if they come because it is dependable on a lot of aspects.”

Such a hefty reported fee for the Argentine target could be a stumbling block but, with Van Gaal indicating imminent departures from his squad as well as incomers, he may have plenty of funds available to splash out on a much-needed centre back.

A potentially potent defensive pairing with fellow Argentina international Marco Rojo is a mouth-watering prospect at Old Trafford for Otamendi, with the likes of Angel Di Maria, Antonio Valencia and Rafael being other South Americans in the ranks.

It’s clearly evident that the Red Devils will need to acquire the services of a dominant defensive figurehead for next season, with Van Gaal aiming to mount a genuine Premier League title charge (9/2 to win 2015/16 PL) and also make an impact in the club’s return to the Champions League, providing they win their qualifying clash.

Otamendi’s supreme presence in United’s rearguard could fill a void that has been gaping in recent seasons since the departure of former defensive giants Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, and the Argentine seems keen on a switch from Valencia to the red half of Manchester.