Nicolas Otamendi 'closer' to Manchester United move as agent accelerates Valencia departure

Nicolas Otamendi is "closer" to securing a move to Manchester United as the agent of the Argentine centre-back is going to "accelerate" the negotiations to secure a "cut-price" departure from Valencia, according to Spanish newspaper AS.

Otamendi was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford earlier this summer after his agent, Eugenio Lopez, revealed earlier in June that his client was likely to leave the La Liga side to make a step up in his career.

"Two months ago Nicolas already told [former president] Amadeo Salvo he wants to leave Valencia this summer. If there's an offer from a club we consider a top club, and it benefits his family, Nico wants to go. There are many discussions with several clubs who want to sign Otamendi," Lopez said on 25 May to Cadena Ser.

Spanish newspaper Super Deporte reported that both United and Real Madrid have met with Lopez to express their interest in the player, while Cadena Ser later added Manchester City have joined the race to secure his services.

It looked like United's reported interest in Real Madrid star Sergio Ramos had ended Otamendi's potential move to Old Trafford but his agent previously told Cadena Cope the two transfers are not linked, assuring that before Ramos leaves Real Madrid, Otamendi will already be playing for a new club.

And Spanish newspaper now AS now follows the same idea while claiming the Valencia centre-back is "close" to moving to Old Trafford.

The Spanish publication says Otamendi put his future on hold during the Copa America to focus on helping Argentina win the tournament but his desire to leave the La Liga side remains intact.

AS adds that Otamendi's agent wants to accelerate the negotiations in order to fulfil his client wishes with Manchester United as his most probable destination.

Salvo previously insisted on a number of occasions that should any suitors want Otamendi, they would need to meet his €50m (£35.5m, $54.8m) release clause.

But after Salvo resigned from his position, AS claimed Otamendi's agent is confident on convincing his replacement to let him go for a cut-price fee.