Manchester City defender Nicolas Otamendi's agent believes his client 'fits the profile' for Real Madrid should the Spanish giants come knocking in search of a replacement for centre-back Pepe.
In an interview with Argentinian station
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He said:"Nico is happy at Manchester City. But who wouldn't like to play at Real Madrid? It's the biggest club in the world.
Ahora | Martin Sendoa: "Pepe se va del #RealMadrid, y Otamendi encaja en el perfil que buscan" pic.twitter.com/lmxhYs2CTB
"Pepe is leaving Real Madrid and Otamendi fits the profile they are looking for."
Having struggled to adapt in his first season for the Citizens, the Argentinian centre-back has grown in to a defensive leadership role in place of the frequently injured Vincent Kompany, often partnering inexperienced youngster John Stones in the heart of the City defence.
Sendoa added:"Jorge Mendes [Cristiano Ronaldo's agent] is managing Otamendi in Europe.
Ahora | Martin Sendoa: "Jorge Mendes (repre de @Cristiano) también esta manejando a Otamendi en Europa" en #FutbolContinental pic.twitter.com/TNvvOn7sV3
"Barcelona have also followed him since he was at Valencia."
However, it is not yet clear whether Pepe will sign a contract extension with Real Madrid, with reports of alucrative offer from Chinacirculating since the beginning of the year.
Nicolas Otamendi is expected to start when Manchester City host French table toppers Monaco in the Champions League last 16 on Tuesday night and is likely to come up against striker Radamel Falcao, whom he knows well from his days at Portuguese outfit Porto.
Speaking toManchester City's official website, he said:He is a top player and very skilfulinside the box.
Highest rated centre-backs in Europe's top 5 leagues this season pic.twitter.com/BvxYBMRsND
We were team-mates at Porto and we've faced each other when I've played against Colombia for Argentina.
As a defender, you always have to be cautious when you play against him. Returning to Monaco was good for him and he's scored 22 goals in 27 games, so he's found his form again.�
Having been ranked in the top 3 centre backs in Europe this season by WhoScored.com, Otamendi will be hoping to put any thoughts of Real Madrid to the back of his mind and help the Citizens to emphasise their home advantage when Monaco visit Manchester on Tuesday evening.