Real line up Ramos replacement

Real Madrid plan to recruit Argentine defender Nicolas Otamendi from Valencia in case Sergio Ramos leaves this summer, according to Marca.

The Spain international has been linked with a summer exit of late, and los Blancos want to be prepared in case their prized asset quits Santiago Bernabeu.

Marca has learned that Real Madrid are hot on the trail of Valencia stopper Nicolas Otamendi, who has become one of the most sought-after players in world football.

The 27-year-old only joined los Che in January 2014 from Porto, but he quickly developed into one of La Liga’s top defenders.

While impressing at the back for Valencia, Otamendi even managed to score 6 goals in 35 La Liga starts, and recently hinted he was ready to leave the club for greener pastures.

The Argentina international has a €50 million release clause in his contract, with los Che set to turn a substantial profit if they decide to sell, having paid just €12 million a year and a half ago.