Rumour: Manchester United launch a £12.3 million bid for Porto's Nicolas Otamendi

Porto’s Argentinian defender Nicolas Otamendi heads the ball during the UEFA Champions League Group G football match Austria Wien vs Porto at the Ernst Happel stadium in Vienna on September 18, 2013.

Manchester United have reportedly made a £12.3 million bid for Porto’s Nicolas Otamendi, reports Goal.

Manchester United are looking at Eliaquim Mangala as well, and it would be interesting to see who Porto are more comfortable to let go off.

The Argentinian was close to a move to Spanish side Valencia but Porto’s demands were too much for Valencia who were not able to cope up with the finances.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is an admirer of Otamendi’s talent, while United’s rival Manchester City were also linked with a double swoop for Otamendi and Porto teammate Eliaquim Mangala as Manuel Pellegrini was looking to to strengthen his defensive line-up with Joleon Lescott eyeing an exit.

Otamendi has made a total of 17 starts this season for Porto and will be keen to move to a club with much bigger stature in order to cement his place in the Argentina national side ahead of next summer’s World Cup.