Manchester United must pay £40m to sign Argentine star

The Mirror have come out of nowhere and have published a unique story claiming Manchester United will have to pay £40m to sign Argentine defender Nicolas Otamendi from Valencia in the January transfer window. The Red Devils are seriously short on defenders and might have to swoop fro a centre back in the upcoming transfer window. However, Otamendi won’t come cheap if they are to pursue him and will cost a whopping £40m to prise him out of Spain.

The 26-year-old moved to Valencia after having signed a five-year deal after securing a £9.3m move from Portuguese giants Porto. Otamendi has been in good form and is the leader of the Valencia defense who have just conceded twice in five games and now sit atop the La Liga standings.

New manager Louis van Gaal has so far bolstered the attacking department and its now time to reinforce his defense. The Red Devils back line has come under serious scrutiny since the start of the season conceding cheap goals. With Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra leaving Old Trafford in the summer, there seems to be a huge void in the defensive back four which needs to be immediately addressed.

United are also interested in Borussia Dortmund centre-back Mats Hummels but the German club aren’t willing to part with their prized asset. Thus a move for Otamendi looks most probable but his price tag will ward off United.