Man City close in on Man United target Nicolas Otamendi

MANCHESTER CITY were last night closing in on a deal to sign Nicolas Otamendi.

Talks between Etihad bosses and Valencia about a £30m deal for the Argentine international are at an advanced stage.

Reports claiming Otamendi had travelled to Manchester for a medical were denied by City.

But Starsport understands Otamendi was in Manchester last night with agent Jorge Mendes putting the final touches to the move.

The 27-year-old is expected to complete his move before the end of this week.

Landing Otamendi will be a huge coup for Manuel Pellegrini's men and leave neighbours Manchester United red faced.

United have been monitoring Otamndi's situation for several months and were considering a bid after wasting weeks trying and failing to sign Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos.

The centre back has been left out of Valencia's squad for tonight's Champions League clash with Monaco.

Valencia boss Nuno Espirito Santo said: "Once everything is resolved, we will make decisions and the club will announce everything.

"For a few days now we have prepared for this game without the option of using Otamendi. This game is crucial for us."

DEAL: Man City are closing in on Nicolas Otamendi

Otamendi is expected to provide stiff competition to Eliaquim Mangala in Pellegrini's defence, with the France international refusing to go on-loan to the Spanish club as part of the deal.

He will become Pellegrini's fourth summer signing and join Raheem Sterling, Fabian Delph and Patrick Roberts at the Etihad.

Otamendi has won 25 international caps and was part of the Argentina side that lost the Copa América final to Chile on penalties.

City are refusing to give up hope of signing Belgium international midfielder Kevin De Bruyne in a £50m deal, despite the Wolfsburg star claiming he would remain at the German outfit for at least one more season, a statement later dismissed by his agent

Meanwhile, City midfielder Fernandinho claims Diego Costa is a wind-up merchant.

Brazilian ace Fernandinho clashed with the Chelsea striker during City's 3-0 win on Sunday and left him with a gashed head after catching him with his arm.

"It was an accident and the nature of the game," said Fernandinho.

"It happens in football. He is always trying to offend the opposition, but I keep calm and keep playing."