Monday, 3rd January, 2014
Nicolas Otamendi continues to harbour hopes of an FC Porto exit despite missing out on joining Manchester United this winter.
According to A Bola, Otamendi had been agonisingly close to leaving Porto, with Manchester United and Valencia waiting.
mobile ad
However, it is believed there were problems related to his passport that prevented him from seeing the deal through to its completion.
The 25-year-old had also been linked to Monaco this winter, though his coach Paulo Fonseca had previously expressed his admiration for the centre-back.
relatedNewsStory
Otamendi will now be eyeing one of the several transfer windows still open in Europe, with Russia and the Ukraine arguably the more well-known of the lot.
Otamendi has been at Porto for just over three-and-a-half years now, while Fonseca said last December: "Otamendi is part of our squad.
"I cannot say anything about him, except that I count on him in the team. I have no problems with him. His presence will be important to us on the pitch."
Don't bet on football until you've visited Inside Bet! Interesting markets, top tips, betting facts – get all the info before you bet.