The Nicolás Otamendi transfer saga is no closer to a resolution but it appears that Valencia are resigned to the fact that the Argentine defender is departing the Mestalla after seemingly leaving the 27-year-old out of the side that will face Monaco in their crucial Champions League qualifier. The destination would appear to be the Premier League and although Manchester United cooled any talk of their own interest, reports in Spain suggest that both they and neighbours Manchester City have made bids.

Valencia manager, Nuno Espirito Santo omitted Otamendi from the starting eleven for a training match in preparation of their Champions League playoff match against Monaco. Los Che have always maintained that the defender was available for transfer provided his release clause is met and are confident that this will occur before the window slams shut at the end of the month. Certainly by not selecting Otamendi for the Champions League it makes me far more desirable to those teams already qualified.

The two front-runners for Otamendi’s signature are the Manchester duo of United and City and Valencia are increasingly confident that this is where the defender will end up. United’s interest has been reported for a long time but this week, it was suggested that Otamendi is not and has never been one of their targets. City have also not publically declared an interest and said that central defence is not an area of priority.

However, Sky Sports Spanish football expert, Guillem Balague has reported that both clubs have tabled bids but both fall below the €50 million buy-out clause that Valencia are demanding.

Otamendi: Valencia considering offers from City and United. None reaches €50m of buy out clause. Spanish club resigned he will go to the PL

— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) August 14, 2015

This comes after Valencia-based TV station SillasGol claimed to have seen paperwork that proved that Otamendi’s deal to United was already agreed,

Nothing is official and none of the involved clubs, nor the player have made any statements to provide any evidence of an impending transfer. After such an outstanding season in La Liga and Valencia’s willingness to strike a deal if the clause is met, the speculation is expected.

Manchester United appear more in need of a centre back but given Valencia’s stance has not changed and the fact that there is still nothing more than rumour it would suggest that the Argentina international was not a priority for Louis van Gaal. City would not want to see their city rivals strengthen further and may see Otamendi as an upgrade on what they currently have but it is a huge transfer fee.

This can expect to go on until the end of the window….