Real Madrid ‘abandon Nicolas Otamendi Hunt, They Believe Manchester United Have Already Agreed Transfer’

Real Madrid have reportedly pulled out of the running to sign defender Nicolas Otamendi because they believe Manchester United have agreed a deal for the Valencia star.

The Madrid giants were interested in signing the Argentine centre-back after being impressed with his form for La Liga rivals Valencia.

Louis van Gaal is known to be looking for a centre-back this summer and, although the Red Devils are pursuing a deal for Madrid's Sergio Ramos, the Old Trafford hierarchy believe Otamendi is the more realistic target.

And Madrid believe the Argentine favours a move to the Premier League over staying in La Liga and have pulled out of the race to sign the 27-year-old, according to Spanish newspaper AS.