Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has hinted that he may need to sign a good central defender in the summer.

The Red Devils were heavily linked with a move for Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos, for the best part of the summer transfer window, however, the interest had cooled down in recent weeks, thanks to Ramos’s decision to continue with his present club.

United have four central defenders – Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Daley Blind and Paddy McNair – in the squad, but Van Gaal may need a world class defender to strengthen that department.

Argentine defender Nicolas Otamendi’s name has been come up this summer, as a potential Manchester United target.

Ole, one of the major newspapers in Argentina, claimed back in May that Otamendi had agreed a personal deal with United. Although such claims turned out to be far fetched, but we now know that United do retain a strong interest in the Valencia defender.

Valencia are keen to keep the Argentine star at the club, and would only sell him at €50m. According to reputed journalist Graham Hunter, Otamendi wants to join United, but Los Che will not do any business unless their asking price is met. 

Valencia have a high chance of qualifying into the group stages of the Champions League, and should that happen, Los Che have no reason to sell their prized asset.

Manchester United feel the need to add one or two players before the transfer window slams shut. If the reports are to believed, the Red Devils are trying to negotiate a deal for Barcelona forward Pedro Rodriguez. The Spaniard is seen a direct replacement for Angel di Maria, who left the club in the summer to join PSG.