Valencia are nervous about the increasing presence of Manchester United scouts at the Mestalla this season. Los Che midfielder Andre Gomes, on-loan from Benfica, is a major target for United boss Louis van Gaal - but his interest in Valencia talent doesn't end there.
Argentina defender Nicolas Otamendi is also being watched extensively by United scouts leading up to the January market.
Valencia directors are aware of Van Gaal's pursuit and desperate to keep hold of their star centre-half, who is being likened by home fans to club legend Roberto Ayala.
"Otamendi is the cornerstone of the team right now," a boardroom source told Superdeportes yesterday.
Otamendi's contract carries a €50 million buyout clause and club insiders insist any formal approach from United will be considered hostile in January.
Valencia's new-look board are known as tough negotiators, having driven a hard bargain with Barcelona over the sale of Jeremy Mathieu last summer.
