Manchester United Transfer News: Roberto Firmino Boost, Nicolas Otamendi Rumours

Roberto Firmino's agent has confirmed the Hoffenheim midfielder is moving to the Premier League, although he failed to confirm the player's destination will be Manchester United.

Roger Witmann, Firmino's representative, spoke to Bild (h/t the Manchester Evening News), saying, "All I can say is that he's moving to England."

Bleacher Report UK's Clark Whitney tweeted a price for the 23-year-old:

Firmino continues to be linked with a move to United after ESPN Brazil journalist Jose Elias tweeted the Red Devils are close to capturing his signature, translated by Sport Witness. He is a creative player, but he's also someone who has tactical quality and the versatility to fill multiple roles.

Kerstin Joensson/Associated Press

The Brazilian is capable in central midfield, can play further forward or just behind the striker and is also useful from the left flank. He scored 10 and assisted seven in 33 Bundesliga appearances last season, per WhoScored.com. 

Football writer Raphael Honigstein believes Firmino will need to make improvements to be a top star in England:

United's midfield has struggled to find balance over the last few years. Louis van Gaal's men appeared far weaker when Michael Carrick was injured during the 2014-15 campaign, an absence which genuinely threatened the side's Champion League presence.

While Firmino is not the same type of midfielder, he'd fit in well ahead of Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini, perhaps linking United's centre to the attack.

Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images

Van Gaal desperately needs to galvanise United's rearguard to ensure the midfield is adequately supported. Fans will have craved a new centre-back (or two) throughout the recently concluded campaign, which saw the Old Trafford defence easily breached on many occasions.

Valencia's Nicolas Otamendi is a target for the club, reported by the Mirror (h/t Marc Williams of the Daily Star). However, it seems the two sides cannot agree on a valuation. The Spaniards want Otamendi's £35 million buyout clause met, while United are ready to offer "closer" to £25 million. An obvious compromise makes sense if the player decides he wants to move on, as Starsport (via Jack Wilson of the Star) reports he does.

OptaJose summarised exactly what the combative defender would bring to United's back line:

It's possible United could be held to ransom when signing a new goliath, such is the obviousness of their need for a new defender. Otamendi would be an excellent capture for the club—he enjoyed a terrific season in La Liga—and can lead United's transitioning side with his natural physicality and willingness to compete for every ball.

B/R UK's Andy Brassell looked at other signings the club could make:

Van Gaal is likely to keep the United squad progressing in a significant way. We've already seen the departure of Tom Cleverley, Anderson and other unneeded players. Every squad position needs to be filled with quality who can make a real difference to the club across four fronts.

Firmino and Otamendi would be exciting signings. United have lured terrific quality in Memphis Depay, but must cram the squad full of hungry, improving players. The linked stars tick both of these boxes and could provide a palpable spark in the Premier League.