Valencia centre-back Nicolas Otamendi is apparently "desperate" for a switch to Manchester United.A long-rumoured target for the Red Devils, Otamendi had a fine season in La Liga in 2014-15 and would add real strength to an often-vulnerable United defence.The Argentinecurrently playing in the Copa Americais seemingly open to the move, having told his international team-mates and friends that he wants to play at Old Trafford, per theMirror's Ed Malyon.Valencia are refusing to budge, though, in insisting that United meet the 27-year-old's release clause of 35 million.Malyonalso reports that Otamendi is aware that Old Trafford boss Louis van Gaal sees him as a secondary target in central defence behind Borussia Dortmund'sMats Hummels.However, Van Gaal may want to re-think his priorities. Otamendi was brilliant for Valencia last season, making WhoScored.com's European Team of the Season:While he is not as good on the ball as Hummels, he is more consistent in defence and would bring a similar steely resolve to United's back line as Nemanja Vidic provided in his heyday, peruMAXit Football's Miguel Delaney.He is also a significant goal threatmainly from set pieceshaving scored six last seasonand he is ruthlessly efficient, per WhoScored:United's great teams of the past under Sir Alex Ferguson all had fantastic centre-backs as a basesee Vidic, Rio Ferdinand, Jaap Stam, Gary Pallister, Steve Bruce.The current crop has potentialparticularly Chris Smallingbut Otamendi would bring a much-needed butcurrently absent edge to the defence, with United hoping to contend for the title once again next season.He is clearly eager for the move, and Van Gaal would be potentially well advised to move on from Hummels and fork out the 35 million needed to bring Otamendi to Old Trafford.Firmino Deal CloseAccording to Chisanga Malata in theDaily Star, United have sealed the signing of Brazilianmidfielder Roberto Firmino from Hoffenheim.Reports in Germany suggest the Red Devils have agreed a deal with the Bundesliga club worth 13.1 million forthe 23-year-old, while Tuttomercatoweb(h/tMalata) now suggest terms have been agreed with the player.Bleacher Report's Jonathan Johnson believes Firmino could be a fine signing for United, describing the attacking midfielder as a "very underrated talent:"Certainly Firmino has excelled at Hoffenheim in recent times, netting seven times and providing 10 assists in the Bundesliga last term, per WhoScored.He would bring added flair and directness to a United attack that already includes Wayne Rooney, Juan Mata and Angel Di Maria, with Dutch star Memphis Depay also set to arrive in the summer.
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