Real Madrid in surprise Otamendi link

February 16, 2017
By: Milos Markovic

La Liga giants and Champions league holders Real Madrid are thought to be weighing up a surprise move for Manchester City defender Nicolas Otamendi.

The 29-year-old Argentine defender is eyed as a possible replacement for Pepe, who is nearing the end of his contract with Real Madrid.

The Portuguese defender will be a free agent at the end of the season and the current campaign is likely to be the last one for the 33-year-old centre-back at Santiago Bernabeu.

Los Blancos will be forced to find a replacement for the outgoing first-team member and Spanish media outlet AS has suggested that Manchester City’s Otamendi has emerged as the top target.

Former Valencia man enjoys a fine reputation in Spain where he used his 12-month spell with Los Che to establish himself as one of the most reliable defenders in La Liga.

A £32 million move to Etihad in 2015 followed for a player who was expected to become one of the key players for Citizens, but Otamendi endured a turbulent time in the Premier League and appears not to be featured as the key player in Pep Guardiola’s plans.

Otamendi has made 20 Premier League appearances this season, 19 of which were starts.

Manchester City are preparing for their FA Cup Fifth Round tie against Huddersfield this weekend, whereas a much bigger challenge is arriving only three days later in the Champions league, when Citizens lock horns with Monaco in the Champions League last-16 tie at the Etihad.

Otamendi is expected to feature in the first leg of the tie with Manchester City being available at 1.57 (4/5) @Bet365 to claim a win.

We Highly Recommend These Places
Share your Opinion!