Newcastle Transfer Round-Up: Every Player Linked From July 27th-August 2nd

6. Nicolas Otamendi (Valencia)

Newcastle United and Manchester City have both been linked with a move for Valencia defender Nicolas Otamendi by an Italian journalist. Although Man City's interest is entirely believable, the Magpies' supposed pursuit of the Argentine centre-back appears unlikely given his stature as one of the most sought-after defenders in Europe. Yet Italian journalist Emanuele Giulianelli tweeted on Tuesday that both these Premier League sides were interested in the 27-year-old. He tweeted:

"Newcastle join Manchester City in the race for Valencia defender Nicolas Otamendi."

Otamendi has been linked with a move to some of Europe's biggest clubs, including Manchester United, but Newcastle have now been credited with an audacious interest. The fact the Magpies conceded a staggering 61 Premier League goals last season shows that defenders are needed to shore up their backline, but the Otamendi link should surely be taken with a pinch of salt. Capped 25 times by Argentina, Otamendi started his career at Velez Sarsfield before moving to Europe with Porto in 2010. He made 122 appearances for the Portuguese giants over the next three years, scoring on 10 occasions, before moving to Atletico-MG and then Valencia. He has played 235 career games, netting 18 times. Named in La Liga's Team of the Season for 2014-15, Otamendi has already won nine trophies in his career to date, including three Primeira Liga titles and a UEFA Europa League with Porto. Otamendi's signing would be some statement by NUFC - but at the moment it seems to be merely a far-fetched rumour, rather than a concrete link.