Manchester United have given a green signal in securing Nicolas Otamendi after his agent admitted the defender wants to leave Valencia.

The Argentine international has long been linked with a move to Old Trafford. They even tried to sign him in January, but he turned down the chance to join Louis van Gaal’s side and continued at Valencia.

United are still interested and have reportedly agreed personal terms with the player, who has €50 million (£35.4m) release clause. However, the centre-back’s representative Eugenio Lopez has rejected those claims, but confirmed that Otamendi will leave in the summer transfer window.

“Nicolas is comfortable with Valencia and the fans but will have an option to improve his career,” Lopez told Cadena SER Valencia.

“Jorge Mendes already knows that Nico wants to leave Valencia. Nico will do everything possible to get it, he will do everything possible to leave.

“If there’s an offer from a club we consider a top club, and it benefits his family, Nico wants to go. There are many discussions with several clubs who want to sign Otamendi.”

Since Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand left United as free agents last summer, the centre-back position has lacked experience, despite the arrival of Marcos Rojo. Van Gaal has fielded Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Jonny Evans, along with Paddy McNair and Tyler Blackett in the heart of the back four.

Should United signed Otamendi, they will be able add more fire power to their defence next season.