Nicolás Otamendi failed to attend training with Valencia this morning and reports from Spain are now stating that a deal has been agreed that will finally see the Argentina defender leave the Mestalla. Manchester United have been strongly linked with the 27-year-old for months but it is local rivals, Manchester City who have sealed a €40 million transfer which will supposedly see Eliaquim Mangala move in the opposite direction on a season-long loan.

Otamendi has found himself as one of the most in-demand defenders in world football after an outstanding season in La Liga with Valencia. With Louis van Gaal overseeing a renovation at Manchester United, in order to mount a title challenge, it was expected that Old Trafford would be the most likely destination. Several sources have claimed that Valencia even rejected a bid from United, insisting that their prized defender would only leave if his €50 million buy-out clause was met.

City joined the race and also failed initially to reach an agreement but developments this morning suggest that the inclusion of 24-year-old Eliaquim Mangala on loan has helped push the deal through.

Mangala has started the Premier League season in good shape but City obviously do not want to miss out on the opportunity to sign Otamendi and perhaps crucially do not want to see him move to a title rival.

The rumours of Otamendi’s departure gathered pace this week after Valencia manager, Nuno Espírito Santo did not include the defender in his side for a practice match ahead of their Champions League qualifier against Monaco. Spanish newspaper, AS have since suggested that this is as a result of the player himself asking not to be included and repeatedly requesting a transfer out of the club.

This is said to have played a part in Valencia agreeing to less than the €50 million that they had previously demanded but equally the inclusion of Mangala means that Los Che have a ready-made replacement to go into their first team.

The transfer, if completed, is a huge statement of intent from City and United supporters will be hoping that it does not prove successful. Otamendi’s transfer was expected to be the red half of Manchester and it can only be assumed that Louis van Gaal and Ed Woodward did not feel that he warranted the price tag that Valencia wanted.