The big Spanish clubs in the race for the transfer of Otamendi

Sevilla and Atletico Madrid are looking to strengthen in defense for the second half of the season.

According to “Todofichaje”, both Spanish clubs have expressed interest in Nicolas Otamendi, who recently won the World Cup with Argentina.

The central defender has a valid contract with Benfica until the end of this season.

Otamendi has rejected several offers to renew his contract and now it is said that the Portuguese club will let him leave in January for a low price, so as not to lose him for free in the summer.

Jorge Sampaoli, the coach of Sevilla, knows the Argentine from his time as coach of Argentina and rates him as an ideal reinforcement in the defensive phase

However, another Argentine coach is also looking to work with Otamendi. He is not the only defender Diego Simeone is chasing, but Otamendi looks the most likely option.

Atletico Madrid are able to offer the 34-year-old a higher level of competition and more money, but Sampaoli can convince him that he will be a guaranteed starter and leader of his defence.