Valencia’s wantaway Otamendi orders desired Man Utd move

A move for Ramos looks dead in the water now, despite strong speculation recently, and Otamendi’s potential arrival could see a solid all-Argentine defensive pairing at Old Trafford.

The sought-after Valencia defender’s fellow countryman Marcos Rojo was one of the stand out performers at Old Trafford last season, after recovering from an early injury, and both he and Otamendi could forge a supreme partnership.

Both defenders recently witnessed their Copa America dreams dashed in a bitter penalty shoot-out defeat in the final to hosts Chile, though they proved their class for La Albiceleste, with Rojo starring at left back (8/1 to win 2018 World Cup).

The current crop of United defenders have had the chance to cement their place in the starting line-up for some time now, with some succeeding and others failing to prove their worth.

Chris Smalling became a vital aspect of Van Gaal’s rear guard in last season’s run-in, while Phil Jones managed to earn himself a new contract, but Northern Irishman Jonny Evans is being heavily linked with an Old Trafford departure.

The possible arrival of Otamendi could ultimately cost Evans his place in the squad, with Everton tipped to land the Northern Ireland skipper, but united will want to wrap up a deal swiftly with Chelsea also rumoured to be interested in their Argentine target.

Valencia’s combative defender was a key aspect of their successful capturing of a Champions League place in La Liga last term and his aggressive nature, coupled with his astute all-round abilities, would undoubtedly see him become an Old Trafford star.