Manchester United Transfer News: Nicolas Otamendi Deal, Robin Van Persie Rumours

Manchester United look to have moved one step closer to snapping up longtime defensive target Nicolas Otamendi from Valencia, with reports suggesting the team reached a verbal agreement with the player's agent.

Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal needs to bolster his defence if United are to compete for the Premier League title next term, and Otamendi is seemingly a top centre-back target.

According to Will Giles of Metro, reports in Spain indicate the Old Trafford outfit have reached an agreement with Otamendi's agent, Eugenio Lopez, over a mooted four-year deal.

The sticking point may be how much United are prepared to pay. Giles suggests the Manchester club will open with a £25 million bid, though Valencia are unlikely to "accept any bid that is significantly below the defender’s £35m release clause."

The Argentinian is a proven force in the centre of defence and was voted in the La Liga Team of the Season for 2014-15, per AS:

He would be a fine addition to Van Gaal's side, who often struggled at the back as they finished fourth in the Premier League last season.

At 27 years old, Otamendi is experienced but young enough that he has plenty of time left playing at the top level.

His strength in the tackle would make him a real asset in the United setup, as would his ability in the air and his intelligent reading of the game.

The likes of Phil Jones and Chris Smalling have improved recently for United, but their inconsistency is still a problem, and the addition of Otamendi could help fix that.

As Giles mentions, the Red Devils will be lucky to pick him up for £25 million, but even at around £30 million, Otamendi would be a decent purchase.

Van Persie to Stay Put

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Rumours have been circulating for some time that United are prepared to offload striker Robin van Persie this summer after a poor season in 2014-15, per Alex Miller of the Mail on Sunday.

In an injury-hit term, the Dutchman scored 10 times in 27 Premier League appearances, per WhoScored.com, and became an increasingly peripheral figure at Old Trafford.

In his first season in Manchester in 2012-13, his 26 league goals effectively pushed United to the title.

However, the 31-year-old has became less and less effective, and Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe believes it is time for Van Gaal to bring in fresh blood up front:

Van Persie has only one year left on his contract at Old Trafford, but he is adamant that he can stay on at the club and warrant a first-team place despite talks of a potential departure.

He says he has no concerns about his future at the club, per the Mirror's David McDonnell: 

"

Am I worried? No, I’m totally relaxed. I have a contract with this club until 2016. Things could change now, but that all depends on Manchester United not me. Believe me, I’m relaxed – I’m not going to be part of a puppet show. In August I’m 32. But I still have the ambition to play for another eight years. In a few years’ time I may have to accept that I will no longer play at the very highest level. I don’t think that moment is coming now. I still feel very, very fit. Playing in the first-team is very important for me. This is why I will probably step down one level when I am 36 or 37. But not now. Whenever I have been fit at United I was playing in the first team all the time. People talk about my injuries, but I’ve only had one this season.

"

Thus, while United may see fit to move Van Persie on, the player himself is insistent that he can still contribute at Old Trafford.

Fitness is the real concern for United, as the former Arsenal man can still be devastating in front of goal when on top form.

With Radamel Falcao having failed in his loan spell at United and now departed, it would be foolish for United to move Van Persie on unless they're bringing in another striker or two.

However, it may well be the case that United have a new striker in mind in the transfer market, and if they bring in fresh blood up front, Van Persie could end up departing the club.