Antonio Barragan: 'Nicolas Otamendi reports will not distract Valencia'

Valencia defender Antonio Barragan has insisted that they will not be distracted by the speculation surrounding the future of Nicolas Otamendi as they prepare to face Monaco.

Otamendi is believed to be close to joining Manchester City as the two clubs continue to negotiate a fee for the Argentine central defender, despite reports suggesting that Eliaquim Mangala will not be heading to Spain as part of the deal.

Nuno Espirito Santo's side host Monaco in the first leg of their Champions League qualifier on Wednesday and Barragan claims that the potential departure of his teammate is not a problem.

"We are focused on the game against Monaco," he told reporters. "Whatever happens with Otamendi is out of our control.

"We must get through the tie, no matter what. We are not thinking at all about not getting through this Champions League playoff. To be in the competition is what we really want."

Otamendi moved to Valencia from Porto in February 2014.