United close in on defensive target

Manchester United are reportedly closing in on the signing of Valencia defender Nicolas Otamendi.

Spanish media suggest the 27-year-old centre-half is on the verge of completing his switch to Old Trafford this month following summer-long speculation about his future.

Otamendi, who only joined Valencia from FC Porto last February, scored six goals in 38 appearances in all competitions for the Spanish outfit last season.

It was thought that Real Madrid centre-half Sergio Ramos was manager Louis van Gaal’s number one defensive target this summer at United, but it seems the Old Trafford club have settled for the Argentina international who was named in the La Liga Team of the Year last term.