Atletico Madrid are reportedly considering a €25m (£22m) move for Manchester City defender Nicolas Otamendi this summer.
Otamendi was an integral part of Man City's 100-point title triumph in 2017-18, but he has fallen down the pecking order this season, with Aymeric Laporte, John Stones and Vincent Kompany preferred by Pep Guardiola.
The 31-year-old started just 14 Premier League games as City became the first club in a decade to retain the title, and his lack of first-team opportunities has led to speculation over his future at the Etihad Stadium.
Both the club and the player are understood to be open to the idea of parting ways, and Diario AS reports that Atletico are interested in bringing the former Valencia man back to Spain.
City are thought to want €30m (£26.2m) for the Argentina international, but his agent Jorge Mendes has reportedly helped to reduce that price for Atletico.
The capital outfit are in the market for defensive reinforcements this summer, with Diego Godin, Lucas Hernandez, Juanfran and Filipe Luis all set to leave the club.
Man City could also look to use Atleti's interest in Otamendi as a bargaining tool in their negotiations for midfielder Rodri, who has been linked with a €70m (£61.2m) switch from the Wanda Metropolitano to Manchester.
Barney Corkhill
