West Ham United are reportedly keen on Nicolas Otamendi.
West Ham United have shown promise under Manuel Pellegrini this season, and with some smart signings this summer, they could push for European football next season.
The Hammers enjoyed a busy transfer window last summer, and Pellegrini will be looking for major reinforcements to take West Ham up to the next level.
Issa Diop and Fabian Balbuena have impressed together, but another centre back may well be targeted this summer given that Winston Reid has been through injury hell for more than a year.
Now, Marca in Argentina report that West Ham are keen to bring in Manchester City’s Nicolas Otamendi, with Wolves also keen despite his contract at City running until 2020.
The 31-year-old has barely featured for City this season, making 14 Premier League starts having been a virtual mainstay last season, and he may well leave this summer having become fourth-choice under Pep Guardiola.
A move to West Ham may be a bit of a step down, but Hammers boss Pellegrini paid £32million to sign him from Valencia in 2015 (BBC), and hailed him after his arrival.
As quoted by City AM, Pellegrini hailed Otamendi as being ‘very good technically’ and ‘excellent in the tackle’, and he was right in predicting that he’d become a City favourite.
“As a footballer, Nicolas has all of the qualities to be a success in the Premier League: he is strong, he’s excellent in the tackle and he is very good technically. I am sure he will become another Argentine player our fans will enjoy watching,” said Pellegrini.
Pellegrini is clearly a fan of Otamendi, but whether or not West Ham have the funds to attract the centre back to East London remains to be seen.
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