19 Jan 2015 12:44:41
According to Guillem Balague, United made an offer of 35 million euros for Otamendi and it was rejected. Also apparently United and Arsenal asked for Gabriel of Villarreal but his buy-out clause is 20 million euros.
19 Jan 2015 13:29:46
Anyone know anything about these players?
{Ed002's Note - There is some confusion here. (a) Otamendi was of interest to Barcelona, Zenit, Chelsea, Napoli, Manchester City and CSKA before a move to Valencia in January 2014 and a subsequent loan to Atlético Mineiro. Manchester United and Arsenal remain keen but as Otamendi has only effectively been playing in Spain since August 2014 a move is unlikely unless a very significant offer is made. (b) Villareal's Gabriel Paulista is of interest to Arsenal with discussions going on this week. (c) It is Santos' Gabriel Barbosa that is of interest to Manchester United.
Oh Guillem.
Ed, is Barbosa not Barcelona bound? Or has there interest faded?
{Ed002's Note - Barbosa continues to be of interest to Chelsea and Manchester United. However, much is expected of him and there is an agreement between Santos and Barcelona that will be exercised in 2016 in all probability. As Barcelona cannot sign players just now, Santos will have the option to sell hime elsewhere.}
Ed, would you expect that an attempt could be made? At that sort of money though we could get Laporte who is a better prospect.
{Ed002's Note - Laporte is nothing to do with it.}
19 Jan 2015 14:53:37
Have we made any confirmed bids for any center half this month so far ed? Marquinhos, Laporte and now Otamendi are all linked.
{Ed002's Note - I understand a rejected offer was made for Otamendi.}
19 Jan 2015 15:40:07
There must have been some signs from either the player of the club that a bid could be accepted then. I don't see us bidding for Hummels who I imagine is a higher priority. This move could cement a top 4 finish.