Nicolas Otamendi to Manchester United: Real Madrid give up on defender as they believe Red Devils have already won the race

Spanish club believe Manchester United have agreed a deal

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Real Madrid have give up in their chase of Nicolas Otamendi as they believe Manchester United have already agreed a deal with the player.

Spanish newspaper AS report that Real Madrid manager Rafa Benitez had been interested in the Valencia centre-back as a possible replacement for Sergio Ramos - also a Manchester United target - but has turned his attention to Ezequiel Garay.

The paper reports that the Zenit St Petersburg is now their top target because Real Madrid believe Otamendi, 27, has already agreed a deal to join Manchester United.

The Argentinian, who helped his national side get to the final of the Copa America, wants to leave Valencia but has a release clause of around £35million.

Valencia have previously indicated that they will not sell him for anything less than the full value of that clause.

AS have previously claimed that Manchester United are still interested in signing both Otamendi and Ramos with Louis van Gaal looking to rebuild his defence.