Alcacer desperate for Otamendi stay

Nicolas Otamendi has been told to snub a move to Manchester United this summer in order to concentrate on securing Champions League football with Valencia.

Paco Alcacer has admitted that he would “love” Nicolas Otamendi to remain at Valencia, despite continued speculation linking the defender with an exit.

Alacer stressed that Otamendi is an “important” player for Valencia and that he wants him to stay.

Valencia qualified for the UEFA Champions League by finishing fourth in La Liga, however they will need to pass a two-legged playoff round to reach the group stages.

Goal quote the 21-year-old as saying: “Nico is a major player and I would love him to stay”.

Louis van Gaal’s side are looking to bolster their defence and could turn to the Argentine, who starred in the back line for his country throughout the Copa America this summer, if they fail to land Sergio Ramos from Real Madrid.

“If I said that I didn’t want [Otamendi] to stay then I’d be lying. If they are playing, they will make those who play do better”.

According to the report, United are reluctant to pay the £35 million buyout clause in the defender’s contract and are instead hoping to negotiate a smaller fee.