Report: Porto's Nicolas Otamendi heading for Russia

Nicolas Otamendi is still expected to leave Porto this winter, despite failing to secure a move to a major European league in January.

The 25-year-old defender was left out of the squad that faced Maritimo at the weekend in anticipation of his deadline-day departure to England or Spain.

Manchester City and Chelsea were rumoured to be among the clubs contemplating making offers for him, but the Premier League's January transfer window closed with Otamendi still at Estadio do Dragao.

However, Portuguese publication A Bola claims that, with the Russian market still open for another three weeks, the Argentine international could yet make a switch to reported admirers Zenit St Petersburg.

Otamendi has made 77 appearances for Porto during his three-and-a-half years at the club.