Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Nicolas Otamendi and John Stones Rumours

Nicolas Otamendi seems to be attempting to force through a transfer to Manchester United.

According to Diego Pico of Marca (via Metro's Louis Sealey), "United appear on the verge of completing the transfer of Nicolas Otamendi after the Argentine reportedly refused to play and train for Valencia."

United are in need of central defensive reinforcement after never adequately replacing key pairing Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand.

Though Phil Jones still has youth on his side and Chris Smalling is a capable centre-back, neither are top-class defenders who can restore the Red Devils to the glory days of old, when they regularly challenged for the Premier League title and the Champions League.

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Furthermore, if David De Gea does leave this summer, United will be out his considerable presence in goal, requiring their defence to step up in his absence.

Otamendi represents United's ideal acquisition.

The 27-year-old stood out as arguably the best centre-back in La Liga last season, with WhoScored.com sharing some of his outstanding stats:

The Telegraph's Liam believes signing the defender could have big implications for United's title hopes:

Otamendi is a strong, physical defender who can always be relied upon to produce a solid performance.

His presence would transform United's back line, so manager Louis van Gaal must go all out to land the Valencia man.

United to Rival Chelsea in John Stones Pursuit?

According to Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail, "Chelsea fear both Manchester clubs are secretly plotting moves to snatch John Stones from under their noses," as "members of the Blues hierarchy believe City and United will table their own offers for Stones, if and when the Toffees accept a bid from them."

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As Mokbel notes, Chelsea have already had two bids for the centre-back turned down but will likely continue their pursuit—particularly following their heavy 3-0 defeat at Manchester City on Sunday.

Should United fail to land Otamendi, then Stones would make an excellent alternative.

The 21-year-old has already made four appearances for England's senior side and stood out for Everton in the Premier League.

Despite his tender age, Stones belied his years last season with a series of impressive performances.

As WhoScored.com illustrates, the youngster stacked up well against Chelsea's centre-backs, who partly comprised the tightest defence in the league:

Throughout the summer, however, Toffees boss Roberto Martinez has been adamant Stones will remain at Goodison Park.

Per the Press Association's Carl Markham (via the Daily Mail):

United's relationship with Everton has had its ups and downs in recent years, with the successfully negotiated switch of Marouane Fellaini juxtaposed against the Red Devils' failed attempts to land Leighton Baines.

The Toffees will be doing all they can to keep Stones for as long as possible. In particular, they would likely be loath to allow him to depart for Old Trafford, viewing any interest from United as another attempt to poach one of their key men.

If Stones does leave Everton this summer, it won't likely be to Old Trafford.