Real Madrid and Barcelona want Manchester City defender, says agent

Real Madrid and Barcelona are interested in signing Manchester City defender Nicolas Otamendi, according to the player’s agent.

Otamendi, 29, only joined City at the start of last season but has not completely convinced since making the £32m switch from Valencia.

The Argentina international is also not thought to be the long-term option Pep Guardiola wants to help nurture John Stones at the heart of the City defence, which could see the erratic defender moved on at the end of the season.

It emerged last week that Madrid were looking at Otamendi as a potential replacement for Pepe, whose contract is due to expire at the end of the season.

Otamendi’s agent, Martin Sendoa, has added fuel to the fire by claiming Madrid are the biggest club in the world and it would be hard to turn down their interest as a result.

“Pepe is leaving Real Madrid and Otamendi fits the profile they are looking for,” he told Radio Continental. “Jorge Mendes is also managing Otamendi in Europe.

“Barcelona have also followed him since he was at Valencia,” he told Spanish newspaper La Vanguardia. “Nico is happy at Manchester City. But who wouldn’t like to play at Real Madrid? It’s the biggest club in the world.”

Since joining City only five central defenders have won more aerial duels in the Premier League than Otamendi (175).

For more stats on Nicolas Otamendi, click here to visit his WhoScored player page