Argentinian’s agent says he has told club president he wants out‘If chance arose to leave he’d do everything possible to make it happen’

Manchester United have been put on alert after the agent of Nicolás Otamendi claimed the Argentina central defender will force his way out of Valencia if he has to in order to leave.

Louis van Gaal is targeting a top-class centre-back in the summer window and the 27-year-old is of interest. Eugenio López, Otamendi’s representative, said the Argentinian informed Valencia’s president, Amadeo Salvo, of his desire to leave the Spanish side “two months ago”.

Manchester United’s Phil Jones expects strong start to next season Read more

“Nicolás told Salvo to his face that he wanted to leave Valencia in the summer,” Lopez told the Spanish radio station Cadena SER. “Nicolás is happy at Valencia and with the fans but he’s got an option to improve on a professional level.

“Nico is going to do everything [possible] to leave. There are a lot of conversations with clubs that want Otamendi. Nicolás loves everything at Valencia but, if the chance arose to leave, he’d do everything possible to make it happen.”

While Otamendi is thought to have a buy-out clause of €60m (£43m), Van Gaal will also have noted Dani Alves’ unhappiness at Barcelona. The manager is keen to add a right-back in the coming window and the Brazilian is among those on his A-list of options. Alves, who is a free agent in the close season, accused Barça of a lack of respect over his contract situation.

“I may have two feet in the team but I’ve also got one foot, my body and nearly my head out of the club,” said the 32-year-old. “I would like to stay here but not at any price. Not only in terms of money but in terms of respect. If I’m not shown that respect, I’ll go to another club.”