Nicolas Otamendi returns to Valencia training camp despite transfer rumors

Amidst a flurry of speculation about a possible transfer, star defender Nicolas Otamendi has returned to training with Valencia.

Following his participation with Argentina in this summer's Copa America tournament, the 27-year-old center-back was given an extended summer break by Valencia manager Nuno Espirito Santo.

The photo of Otamendi at Valencia's summer training camp may temporarily halt transfer rumors, but several reports have surfaced throughout the summer that the Argentine is trying to force a move.

"Nicolas told Salvo to his face that he wanted to leave Valencia in the summer," Eugenio Lopez - Otamendi’s representative - told Spanish radio station Cadena SER, courtesy of The Telegraph.

"Nicolas is happy at Valencia and with the fans but he's got an option to improve on a professional level. ... There are a lot of conversations with clubs that want Otamendi. Nicolas loves everything at Valencia but, if the chance arose to leave, he'd do everything possible to make it happen."

Several reports have stated that Otamendi is on Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal's radar, as the Dutchman is looking to strengthen his back line. Most of these rumors have surrounded either Otamendi or Real Madrid's star defender Sergio Ramos.

Considering van Gaal's willingness to splash the cash this summer to address roster issues, it would come as a surprise to many if the current first-choice center-back pairing of Phil Jones and Chris Smalling where on the team sheet for United's first Premier League match when it hosts Tottenham on August 8th.

La Liga's summer transfer window closes on August 31, a day prior to the Premier League's own transfer deadline. This leaves the better part of five weeks to endure more speculation about Otamendi's future.