Nicolas Otamendi and Valencia. For the player's camp, this is no game of bluff. The Argentina defender wants out.

No matter the public protests of Amadeo Salva, the Valencia president, he's known for at least two months that Otamendi wants to leave. According to the centre-half's agent, he said as much to the president's face.

"Nicolas told Amadeo two months ago," revealed Eugenio Lopez on Cadena Ser, "he wants to leave this summer."

Salva continues to insist Otamendi will only leave for his €50 million buyout clause - and even then the player will need to make a public transfer demand. Lopez's claims of a verbal transfer request appear to hold no water for the Los Che president.

"Valencia will not cave into pressure from agents or their claims," warned Salva. "Our position will remain the same, if Otamendi wants to leave he will have to say so publicly."

But behind the scenes there is a resignation that Otamendi will leave this summer. Indeed, there is growing support for a deal to be done quickly so giving Valencia enough time to bring in top drawer replacement with the money generated.

Javier Subirats, a former Los Che sports director, says they should just "get on with it".

"If €40 million is offered, then Otamendi should be sold," he says.

The catalyst for Salva's frustration has been Manchester United. Louis van Gaal, before Christmas, identified Otamendi as the senior centre-half his back four was lacking and had a bid lodged for the Argentine in January.

It didn't make it to the English press, but a cash offer of €35 million was tabled by United - and wasn't turned down by Valencia. Instead, it was Otamendi who resisted the midseason move.

Lopez explained: "Nico was excited by the possibility at the time.

"But we knew that Valencia had made a big investment and that it be would condescending to his teammates (if he left midseason).

"So we rejected the bid in agreement."

Lopez is determined for this summer's controversy not to tarnish Otamendi's reputation.

"Nico was focused on helping Valencia qualify for the Champions League. This season, he always prioritised Valencia and the respect of his teammates."

Lopez continued: "Look, he is very happy in Valencia and with the fans. He has no problem with the supporters, but he now has a chance to improve himself professionally."

Valencia can hardly accuse Otamendi of treating them poorly. He may've just completed his first 12 months in the club's shirt, but that was only due to a management cock-up which saw him forced to move to Brazil for six months after joining Valencia in January 2014.

Otamendi arrived from Porto in a €12 million deal, but Valencia had failed to clear a non-EU place for him. Lopez and Otamendi could've kicked up a fuss - especially in a World Cup year. But instead, Lopez quietly managed to get the defender a loan move to Brazil.

"Thank God we found a solution," recalled Lopez, "and he ended up playing for Atletico Mineiro for six months."

Back in Spain last season, Otamendi quickly established himself as a fans' favourite, drawing comparisons with former Valencia captain Roberto Ayala.

"The truth is that it's very nice to be compared to a player like Roberto was," smiled Otamendi.

"But I also try to keep my feet on the ground and go game by game, creating my path and my story."

A powerful, no-nonsense centre-half in the Nemanja Vidic mould, it's clear why Van Gaal is chasing the Argentine, dubbed by Valencia fans 'El Bestia' and 'Bestiamendi'.

"For my game, I like to anticipate danger and play things simple when in possession," he says.

"I always try to stay focused. It's important not to be careless."

Real Madrid, under instruction from former Los Che coach Rafa Benitez, have also been in touch with Lopez. He met with Real officials and United intermediaries last Monday. Super agent Jorge Mendes is also overseeing negotiations, having close ties with all three clubs involved.

"Nico will do everything possible to get out. Jorge Mendes already knows that Nico wants to leave Valencia," says Lopez.

"In the event that a top offer arrives that benefits Nico, his family and the club, he will seek to leave."