Premier League winners Chelsea are set to hijack a deal for Manchester United's top transfer target Nicolas Otamendi according to reports in Spain today.
Argentine international Nicolas Otamendi had looked set to complete a move to Manchester United in the coming weeks after months of speculation over the players future, but Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has made a late bid to scupper the defenders move to Old Trafford as he searches for John Terry's eventual successor.
Spanish paper Super Deporte (translation required) claim that Mourinho made a call to his (super) agent Jorge Mendes and made enquiries about the possibility of bringing Otamendi to London to sign for the Blues.
Mendes has been heavily involved in Otamendi's transfer saga and could have a big say in the 27-year-old's destination this summer.
Just like United, Chelsea would have to pay the defenders £36million release clause, with Valencia making it clear they won't accept a penny less. But Mourinho will be quietly confident that Mendes can pull some strings for the Champions, after engineering Stamford Bridge moves for Radamel Falcao and last season for Diego Costa.
However, United have the advantage of compatriots Angel di Maria and Marcos Rojo being able to help Otamendi settle, should he move to Old Trafford.
Source: DSG
