Paco Alcacer admits he is desperate for Nicolas Otamendi to snub interest from Manchester United and Manchester City to remain with Valencia into next season.
The Argentina defender has been the subject of interest from both Premier League giants, but Los Che have remained firm in their stance that Otamendi will not leave unless his €50m release clause is activated.
While it has been claimed that Otamendi is keen to move on from Valencia, he has yet to publicly agitate for a move or refuse to play for Los Che.
And Alcacer is crossing his fingers and hoping that the centre-back will again be turning out at the Mestalla next term.
"Nico is an important player and I'd love him to stay. He's a key element for Valencia", the striker was quoted as saying at a press conference by El Mundo Deportivo.
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"If I said I did not want Otamendi to stay then I'd be lying", he smiled.
Otamendi helped Valencia to a finish of fourth in La Liga last term and the Spanish giants will be banking on the defender to aid them in navigating what could be a tricky playoff round tie to make the competition's group stage later this summer.
