The man who lives and breathes football, Spanish journalist Guillem Balague, has told his Twitter followers today that Manchester United have finally made their move in the transfer window with a bid of 35 million Euros (£26.8 million) for the Argentine international centre back Nicolas Otamendi.
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal said last week that it would be difficult to bring players into the club in January due to availability issues at this time of year:
“I don’t think that we shall be very active as not many players of a certain level are available,” said the Dutchman.
But Ballague makes a living from his football reputation and he ‘is unlikely to have pulled this one straight out of thin air, despite the fact that the tweet also advertises his weekly show!
We also know that the Manchester United boss is famously secretive where it comes to transfer dealings with his club. And, with the defence looking a bit all over the place at times, it’s difficult to imagine that there wouldn’t be a single central defender available who could come in and improve the side.
Otamendi, a 6ft tall, 26 year old piece of solid oak, has played 18 times for Argentina since his debut in 2009. While he hasn’t been a regular first choice for his country he does have good experience and marries solidity and mobility with good technique. But he’s there sort of player that never gives in. Think Bruce instead of Rio.
The bid has reportedly been knocked back but it may not be long before he’s a United player.
Let’s take a look at the lad in action. Manchester United fans: would you like Louis to act now or wait until players like Mats Humeels become available?
