Manchester City Transfer News: Nicolas Otamendi Agrees Terms, Latest Rumours

Manchester City have hijacked Manchester United's move for Valencia star Nicolas Otamendi, with the defender reportedly having "agreed personal terms" with the Sky Blues, according to Guillem Balague on Sky Sports.

The news will undoubtedly be welcomed by City supporters, with their club not only acquiring an exceptionally talented centre-back but also depriving their archrivals of his services.

Otamendi's tough, no-nonsense defending and endless commitment saw him impress with an outstanding season at the Mestalla.

According to WhoScored.com, Otamendi made 182 headed clearances and blocked 28 shots last season—"more than any other player in La Liga."

The Telegraph's Liam believes the deal will be an excellent bit of business for City:

The all-action centre-back will likely slot in well at the Etihad, where he is certainly needed.

Martin Demichelis is now 34, while Eliaquim Mangala has struggled to adapt to English football and often looked vulnerable last season.

However, as Sky Sports also noted in their report, City are no longer in agreement with Valencia over the deal thanks to Mangala's early season form, as the Frenchman was due to be used as a makeweight in the transfer.

The Guardian's Daniel Taylor and Balague provided the details:

Mangala has impressed in City's two outings so far this season, helping the Sky Blues keep clean sheets away at West Bromwich Albion and at home against Chelsea.

In those two performances, the 24-year-old has put in some all-action displays of his own.

OLI SCARFF/Getty Images

According to Squawka, he has already made two blocks, five interceptions and 13 clearances, winning three tackles and six aerial duels as well.

City's newfound reluctance to part with Mangala is understandable, as is Valencia's desire for a higher fee.

Balague reported on Twitter that Otamendi has a release clause of €50 million—€10 million more than City initially offered.

However, the extra funds required to land the Argentinian are unlikely to trouble the Manchester outfit, given the defender's obvious quality.

Expect the clubs to reach a new agreement before the end of the transfer window.

City look hungry for the title and sent out a strong message to their rivals with their comprehensive defeat of Chelsea.

With Mangala beginning to look like the player City hoped he would be, the addition of Otamendi will send out another powerful warning.