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Tuesday Kickoff: Man City agree fee for Otamendi; Real Madrid finalize deal for Kovacic; and more

NicolasOtamendiValencia1 (Getty)

By DAN KARELL

Manchester City are on the verge of bringing in another proven centerback to bolster their squad.

According to reports out of Spain, Valencia has accepted a €45 million ($49.7 million) transfer fee from Man City for defender Nicolas Otamendi. Earlier reports stated that Elaquim Mangala could move the other way in the transfer, but according to the latest reports, Man City manager Manuel Pellegrini has had a change of heart, and wants to keep Mangala and Otamendi in the squad.

The 27-year-old defender now must pass a medical and sign personal terms with Man City before the deal could become official.

Neither Man City or Valencia have commented on the proposed transfer publicly, but Valencia coach Nuno Espirito Santo revealed that Otamendi was not training with the club ahead of their UEFA Champions League playoff round match against AS Monaco this Wednesday.

Otamendi, an Argentine international, has appeared for his country on 25 occasions. He was one of the final three players cut from Argentina’s squad at the 2014 World Cup.

Here are some more stories to kick off your Tuesday:

REAL MADRID FINALIZE KOVACIC DEAL

Mateo Kovacic is officially bound for Real Madrid.

This summer, Real Madrid proved hell bent on signing the 21-year-old midfield maestro, as the club announced Tuesday that a deal has been reached to sign Kovacic from Inter on a six-year deal.

The midfielder announced himself to the world over the last 12 months, starting a match and playing three games at the 2014 World Cup with Croatia and then putting in a strong season for Inter Milan, playing in 45 games in all competitions, scoring eight goals.

Kovacic will be presented to fans and media Wednesday after undergoing a medical.

DETAINED EX-FIFA OFFICIAL FACES CORRUPTION CHARGES BACK HOME

One of the seven men arrested by Swiss authorities last May could be leaving jail in the coming weeks.

According to a report from AFP, Nicaragua are requesting the extradition of Julio Rocha, former president of the Nicaraguan FA, after charging Rocha with corruption and money laundering. The report states that Rocha has agreed to be extradited back to Nicaragua to face those charges.

Rocha still has a request for his extradition from the U.S., but according to the report, he won’t be released from a Switzerland jail until the U.S. drops their request.

Nicaragua’s top prosecutor Julia Guido stated to AFP that an investigation found Rocha had accepted a bribe of €900,000 for a broadcast rights contract.

QUICK KICKS

Diego Maradona met the referee from the infamous “Hand of God” match at the 1986 World Cup, and called him an “eternal friend.” (REPORT)

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has hit back at criticisms from FIFA presidential candidate Chung Mong-joon. (REPORT)

Newcastle are in serious discussions with Marseille to sign Florian Thauvin. (REPORT)

Aritz Aduriz of Athletic Bilbao is the first player to score four goals in one edition of the Spanish SuperCup. (REPORT)

French centerback Manuel Da Costa has signed for Olympiakos in Greece. (REPORT)

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What do you think of these reports? Do you see Otamendi starting for Man City? What do you think of Kovacic’s impending move? How do you feel he’ll fit in La Liga?

Share your thoughts below.

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