Paco Alcacer desperate for Nicolas Otamendi Valencia stay

Paco Alcacer has admitted that he is desperate to see Valencia teammate and Manchester United target Nicolas Otamendi stay at the Mestalla.

Speculation has mounted that the Red Devils have identified the defender as a plan-B option if they fail to land Real Madrid stalwart Sergio Ramos.

The 27-year-old's representative reportedly met with United last week, but Los Che's £35m asking price is believed to have proved a stumbling block thus far.

"Nico is a major player and I would love him to stay," he told AS. "He is a key player for Valencia. If I said I did not want him to stay, I'd be lying.

"Otamendi, Shkodran Mustafi, Lucas Orban and Ruben Vezo are all important. If they are playing, they will make those who play do better."

The Argentina international is contracted to the Spanish club until 2019.