Manchester City defender Nicholas Otamendi’s agent Martin Sendoa has confirmed that his client will consider a move to Real Madrid.

In an interview with Radio Continental (via Goal.com), Nicholas Otamendi’s agent Martin Sendoa has stated that his client will consider returning to the country where he began to find his footing in the world of football. He was quoted as saying, “Nico is happy at Manchester City. But who wouldn’t like to play at Real Madrid? It’s the biggest club in the world. Pepe is leaving Real Madrid and Otamendi fits the profile they are looking for.

“Jorge Mendes [Cristiano Ronaldo’s agent] is managing Otamendi in Europe. Barcelona have also followed him since he was at Valencia.”

The Argentine defender emerged as a Real Madrid target about a week ago, with the Spanish side looking to fill in the void of Pepe who appears destined to move to China at the end of the season. Hebei China Fortune, managed by former City boss Manuel Pellegrini, are reportedly willing to offer him a staggering €10 million in wages annually.

The 33-year-old was in contract negotiations with Real, but they appeared to reach an impasse as the Portuguese was unwilling to commit his future to Los Blancos. Manchester United, Juventus and Chelsea are all in the hunt to secure his services, but China appears to be the most probable destination for him.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 01: Nicolas Otamendi of Manchester City holds off Neymar of Barcelona during the UEFA Champions League Group C match between Manchester City FC and FC Barcelona at Etihad Stadium on November 1, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 01: Nicolas Otamendi of Manchester City holds off Neymar of Barcelona during the UEFA Champions League Group C match between Manchester City FC and FC Barcelona at Etihad Stadium on November 1, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo Courtesy: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Despite having Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos as first-choice centre-back options, Real boss Zinedine Zidane is eyeing a move for the Manchester City defender. Youngster Jesus Vallejo will also be returning from loan at the end of the season, and could play second fiddle to Ramos and Varane.

However, Otamendi will be the preferred option, solely due to his experience of playing in England’s as well as Spain’s top flight. He moved to City in the summer 2015 for a fee reported to be in the region of £28.5 million, and has gone on to become regular feature for the Citizens.

While he may not have been at his prolific best, injuries and lack of form of the other defenders in the team have seen him become current manager Pep Guardiola’s trusted option at the back. Otamendi is slowly getting accustomed to Guardiola’s style of football, and it remains to be seen whether the former Barcelona boss lets go of his main defender.

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