Reports: Nicolas Otamendi set to leave Manchester City as interest grows in defender

Manchester City defender Nicolas Otamendi is reportedly set for a departure from the Etihad after failing to impress Pep Guardiola last season.

Otamendi, 32, made 39 appearances for Manchester City in all competitions in the 2019/20 campaign in the absence of first-choice centre-back Aymeric Laporte.

However, according to a report by Portuguese news outlet A Bola, the Argentine defender's performances didn't convince Guardiola, who has decided to allow him to leave.

The report also claims three European clubs are interested in securing his services - Lazio, Valencia and FC Porto - with the Portuguese club leading the way.

Otamendi, Garcia and Angelino all look to be on their way out of #ManCity but how much should they be sold for? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/EyTkiUk21o

— City Chief (@City_Chief) September 8, 2020

Jorge Mendes keen to orchestrate Nicolas Otamendi transfer

Otamendi's agent, Jorge Mendes, is reportedly keen to take his client back to Porto, a club he once played for. For his part, Otamendi is also keen on turning up for the Portuguese powerhouse as they can offer him Champions League football - something that Valencia cannot.

However, a potential stumbling block for the move is said to be Porto's inability to match the defender's wage demands. The player earns €7m a year, which is a number that the Portuguese club cannot afford.

As a result, Otamendi has reportedly asked for Manchester City to compensate his wages until his contract runs out in 2022. A resolution is expected to be reached between the player and the club as all parties involved want to see a move materialise this transfer window.

For their part, Porto are also weighing up a medium to long-term contract for the Argentine defender in order to help balance their books while affording a large chunk of his wages.

Staying at the English club and seeing out his contract doesn't seem to be a viable option following the signing of Bournemouth stopper Nathan Ake. Moreover, the Premier League runners-up are said to be in the market for yet another marquee centre-back to shore up their defence, with names like Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly and Atletico Madrid's Jose Jimenez linked with a big-money move.

Manchester are preparing a new bid to sign Kalidou Koulibaly. Napoli won’t accept less than €75m [add ons included] to sell their centre-back on this summer. Personal terms have been already agreed with Manchester City. 🔵 #MCFC📲 More details: https://t.co/pCv4lt2pt5

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 7, 2020

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