Valencia are understood to be closing in on the signing of Monaco defender Aymen Abdennour as a direct replacement for Nicolas Otamendi.
According to Marca, an agreement for the Tunisia international has been reached, with Nuno Santo intent on landing another centre-back before September 1, despite the recent arrival of Aderlan Santos.
The 26-year-old, who did not appear in either leg of the Champions League playoff between the two clubs, will also likely allow Lucas Orban to become permanent cover for Jose Luis Gaya at left-back.
Barcelona have been credited with an interest in the 'new Carles Puyol' in the past, along with numerous Premier League sides.
