Man City 'keen on River Plate defender Quarta' with Otamendi in line for swap

Manchester City are eyeing River Plate defender Lucas Martinez Quarta – and could offer up Nicolas Otamendi as part of a swap deal, according to reports.

Reports in Argentina have claimed that Martinez, who has been capped by Argentina and has made 64 appearances for River since his debut in 2016, is a target for City manager Pep Guardiola.

There have even been suggestions in the country that River would be ready to accept a good offer from City for the 23-year-old.

And TNT Sports spoke to his agent about the apparent interest in the central defender.

Gustavo Goni said: 'Until the quarantine, Chino had many lovers, there were many clubs that had come to see him.

'I think there will be interested sides again when the picture is clearer. The idea is to agree with River an opportunity for everyone, hopefully the best possible offer will come out.

'In case that doesn't happen, we will have to get together and see what is most beneficial for everyone.

'But today we're imagining, it's a matter of waiting. He's one of the players that River have to sell.'

Any deal could see Otamendi – who is a River fan and has previously said he would like to play for them – make a return to Argentina as part of a swap move.

Otamendi has been with City since 2015 but did not have a place in the first-team under Guardiola prior to the coronavirus lockdown.