Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Nicolas Otamendi and Lars Bender Rumours

Manchester United look set to continue their summer transfer campaign with moves for Nicolas Otamendi and Lars Bender.

Argentina international Otamendi has reportedly been subject to United boss Louis van Gaal's interest since the end of the season, and George Bellshaw of Metro says the defender will now meet with his club, Valencia, to push through a £36.4 million move to Old Trafford.

Bellshaw cites outlet Fichajes.net's claim that despite Valencia's unwillingness to sell the player, they will do business with United if the north west superclub meets their valuation.

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Otamendi's agent, Eugenio Lopez, speaking to Radio Valencia Cadena Ser, recently stressed his client was keen on a move away from the Mestella and had notified senior officials of his intentions, relayed by Sky Sports:

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Nico [Otamendi] wants to leave Valencia and is going to do everything possible to achieve it. Nicolas told [executive president] Amadeo Salvo to his face two months ago, it surprises me that it is said that [sporting director] Rufete knew nothing. Or he lied or there is a lack of communication. In these cases the will of the player is very important.

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Otamendi is rated as one of the top defenders in La Liga and would hugely strengthen the United back line if he were to sign.

Guillem Balague of Sky Sports and Bleacher Report recently named the player in his Spanish league best XI of the season, giving the tough centre-back a glowing appraisal:

"

Valencia’s improvement and challenge for Champions League qualification is due in no small part to the efforts of this excellent central defender, who in addition to great defence has a habit of weighing in with important goals, namely the winner to ended Real Madrid’s 22-match unbeaten run. [He is] on the radar of a host of top clubs.

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Otamendi started 35 games in La Liga for Valencia this term, per WhoScored.com, scoring six times—the best goal return of any central defender in Spain.

United have looked weak in defence since the departures of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, and if the team loses David De Gea, they will need to bring in a couple of leaders to help the team in the hunt for trophies—and Otamendi fits the bill.

Lars Bender to Give United Carrick Alternative

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United's rebuilding process is very likely to include a midfield option, and Lars Bender is reportedly on Van Gaal's wish list.

George Bellshaw of Metro says the Germany international could be the subject of a £25 million from United as they look to find an alternative to Michael Carrick.

Carrick occupied the defensive-midfield position with Daley Blind during Van Gaal's first season in charge at Old Trafford, but when the England player was absent, United looked considerably weaker. 

But they will face competition for the player, with Bellshaw citing Tutto Mercato Web's claim that deposed Premier League champions Manchester City will rival the Red Devils for his signature. 

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Simon Mullock of the Mirror writes that City see Bender as an alternative to Paul Pogba if the Sky Blues cannot capture the Juventus midfielder in the coming months. 

Bender featured prominently for Bayer Leverkusen this term, starting 32 times in the Bundesliga and Champions League combined, per WhoScored.com.

Otamendi and Bender would be excellent captures for United as they look to pad out their squad with international players of strong standing.

Van Gaal will need to strengthen the spine of his team if he wants to win the Premier League, and both Otamendi and Bender would give him depth in this regard.

United have the bones of a very good squad in place—and the summer will be a challenge for LvG to tweak certain combinations on the pitch in order to get the most from his superstars.

Neither Otamendi nor Bender would be the first name on many supporters' lips, but both could help United make a sustained run at the league and guarantee the Reds' place in the Champions League group stage.