Manchester United target Nicolas Otamendi sets deadline to leave Valencia

Manchester United target Nicolas Otamendi is eager to leave Valencia as soon as possible and has set two deadlines for his departure, according to Marca.

Valencia have received approaches from United and Real Madrid for the Argentina international, according to claims in Valencia-based newspaper Super Deporte, but the La Liga side are adamant the player will not leave for a penny less than his €50m (£35.8m) release clause.

Otamendi's agent, Eugenio Lopez, recently told Cadena Ser that his client is ready to move to a bigger club and will do "everything possible" to leave.

Marca now claims the centre half is eager to have a move sealed by 26 July, the date he is to report back to the Mestalla following his break after Argentina's Copa America campaign. Given the deteriorating relationship between the player and the club, Otamendi is reportedly keen to avoid returning to the club at all.

Should no agreement be in place by then, the Valencia defender has identified 18 August as his final deadline, when Valencia are due to play in the first leg of their Champions League play-off. Otamendi's participation in that game would cup-tie him for the rest of the competition and prevent him from playing for another club in the Champions League.

Despite Otamendi's agent pleading with the club, Valencia insist they will not be strong-armed into selling the player below their valuation, and expect his release clause to be met in full.

"Valencia do not give in to pressure from any agent or any comments. Valencia's position will always be the same," Valencia president Amadeo Salvo said, according to the Mirror.

"If Otamendi wants to leave he will have to say it publicly. If he wants to go he will have to come to the club, not an agent, and pay what the club decide he is worth, which is €50 million at least, and with the payment structure that Valencia decide."