Nicolas Otamendi is 'closer' to joining Manchester United according to Spanish newspaper AS.


The Argentine defender, who featured at the recent Copa America, is set to leave Valencia and has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford.

It had previously been reported that both United and Real Madrid were interested in Otamendi's services, but now AS have confirmed that the Red Devils have stolen a march on their Madrid counterparts.

It is believed that the transfer is edging closer to being completed and added that Otamendi is keen to wrap up the deal now that the Copa America is over.

Previous Valencia president Salvo had insisted that any move would need a fee of around £45million, but AS claimed that Otamendi's agent Eugenio Lopez is confident of convincing the new president Lay Hoon Chan to drop his asking price and therefore seal a move away from Los Che.