Manchester United target Nicolas Otamendi named in Copa America team of the tournament

Manchester United transfer target Nicolas Otamendi has been included in the team of the tournament for the Copa America. 

The 27-year-old Valencia centre-back and Argentina international helped his country to reach the final in Santiago, but was powerless to prevent them from slipping to a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat by host nation Chile.

With United conceding 37 goals in the Premier League last season, manager Louis van Gaal has identified defensive signings as a priority this summer and has been mulling over a move for Otamendi for some time. 

Valencia defender Otamendi is on Manchester United’s wish-list this summer and impressed in Chile  

Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal (left) enjoyed a successful campaign at the Copa America with Chile

Colombia’s Jeison Murillo (right) was singled out as one of the top rising talents at the Copa America 

Chile pair Gary Medel (left) and Claudio Bravo (right) also claimed spots in the team of the tournament

Valencia are not keen to part with one of their star players though and have reportedly stuck a £35million asking price on him.  

Otamendi was joined in the best defence at the Copa America by Jeison Murillo (Colombia) and Gary Medel (Chile), while Claudio Bravo (Chile) was named the competition’s top goalkeeper. 

Arturo Vidal (Chile), Javier Mascherano (Argentina), Marcelo Diaz (Chile) and Christian Cueva (Peru), meanwhile, occupied the midfield spots. 

Eduardo Vargas (Chile), Paolo Guerrero (Peru) and Lionel Messi (Argentina) took the spaces up front. 

Barcelona midfielder Javier Mascherano made the Copa America’s best XI following his superb form

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi was dazzling in Chile, but could not lead Argentina to glory

Peru’s Paolo Guerrero (left) was singled out as one of the best strikers at the Copa America this summer