Manchester United Transfer News: Nicolas Otamendi Eyed, Marouane Fellaini Latest

Louis van Gaal will reportedly target Valencia centre-back Nicolas Otamendi as part of his January attempts to fix Manchester United's defensive problems.

The Red Devils have conceded 13 in six competitive matches this season, including five during the recent defeat to newly promoted Leicester City and four against MK Dons in the Capital One Cup. Summer signings Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao look set to keep the side scoring, but Van Gaal's inability to sign a world-class centre-back threatens to become a defining oversight during the manager's debut season.

He will attempt to put this right by luring Otamendi from the Mestalla, according to Ben Jefferson of the Daily Express: "Indeed, it is thought that the Manchester club will have to meet Otamendi's £40 million release clause to get their man."

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This would certainly be overpaying for a defender who was deemed surplus to requirements at Valencia last year.

Although Otamendi has performed admirably since returning from his loan spell with Atletico Mineiro, the former Porto man cannot reasonably command such a hefty fee. The Argentinian is efficient on the ball, loves to tackle and is ready to throw his body into oncoming shots, but Van Gaal may be wise to look elsewhere if this price is insisted on.

Football writer Daniel Storey offers his opinion on the potential transfer:

Former United youngster and current Barcelona defender Gerard Pique was rumoured to be on Van Gaal's potential list of targets, as reported by James Dickenson of the Daily Express. Spanish publication AS also surmised the Spaniard may return, via the Mail Online's Charlie Skillen.

Shakira, the defender's pop star girlfriend, "does not want to leave the Catalan city for Manchester" according to Skillen, potentially making any deal difficult.

Van Gaal has room for plenty of new investments after offloading 15 players across the summer. Marouane Fellaini was widely expected to leave, but consistent injury problems ended any chance of the 26-year-old escaping his Old Trafford nightmare.

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The Belgian midfielder, whose form has remained poor since David Moyes snapped him up last year, believes the new manager will give him a fair shot at rediscovering his best. Dutch paper Sport Wereld (via Sky Sports), provided quotes from the former Everton goliath:

"

I talked to Van Gaal and he has never said that I had to leave. He said I had a lot of competition, but that I will get the chance to prove myself. I have known difficult moments like last season, but you become a stronger player afterwards. I have confidence in myself and in my game again.

I played a good World Cup and also during the preparation, I was good. It is unfortunate that this injury has thrown spanner in the works, but at the end of the month I will be back.

"

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Fellaini could become a useful player for United if he finds the quality we witnessed during his time at Goodison Park. His aerial dominance is most effective when he finds space in the area, but his lack of technical ability will surely leave Van Gaal hunting for a specialist defensive midfielder.

Kevin Strootman's sale has been ruled out by Roma, per Nadia Carminati of Sky Sports. He represents the perfect candidate to control United's centre and is someone Van Gaal can trust. United's boss depended on the 24-year-old during his recent Netherlands tenure and could test Roma's resolve with a bid, according to Ian Ladyman of the Daily Mail.

Defensive improvements should remain priority, however. January cannot come soon enough for a United squad that is likely to continue changing rapidly over the next couple of years. Otamendi is a viable target, but Valencia will be cartwheeling all the way to the bank if they coax United into dropping a mega sum.