English Premier League giants Manchester City are reportedly monitoring the progress of Benfica’s Nicolas Gaitan, who is also believed to have caught the eye of Manchester United.
Argentina International Nicolas Gaitan has become hot property in Europe following some stellar performances in the UEFA Champions League this campaign. An unknown quantity to most of the continent, the midfielder has thrust himself into the limelight after attracting the attention of Manchester United amongst other sides.
Famed for his passing ability and knack of assisting his teammates, Gaitan could be a perfect fit at any top club and that’s why Sir Alex Ferguson was keen to shower him with praise before his side’s clash with Benfica.
The Scot has become an admirer of the former Boca Juniors man as the season has progressed and with the current midfield crisis at Old Trafford, has reportedly made him a top transfer priority.
Paul Scholes made a comeback from retirement but that only underlines the Red Devils’ problem, as they have been struggling because of injuries. United displayed great attacking football at the start of the term, but since then the creative hub of Anderson and Tom Cleverley has been clearly disrupted.
Sir Alex is eager to retain the Premiership this season and will allegedly make a move for the 23-year-old either this winter or during the summer. However the veteran manager’s task has been made harder, as Manchester City have joined the race alongside their seemingly endless supply of petro-dollars.
Roberto Mancini has made no secret of his desire to acquire a midfielder and with a move for Roma star Daniele de Rossi looking highly unlikely at this point; the Citizens have turned their attention to the Benfica man.
While Gaitan would relish the prospect of plying his trade at either of the Manchester clubs, his agent has revealed that there has been no contact of a potential move for his client.
Speaking to reporters, the representative said that if a switch were to materialize, then the interest parties would have to talk to him first and only then can an agreement be reached.
“The two clubs must come to an agreement about the transfer and then they must talk to me, this is logical.
“Only after they reach an understanding can they contact me to know if the player is happy, if he wants to play at United, his salary, and those sort of things.”
He also added that the Argentine was currently happy in his current surroundings and did not want to seek greener pastures elsewhere.
“He is very happy with everything at the club, his team-mates and the club’s board,” Jose Iribarren was quoted as saying.
With both Manchester trails hot on his trail, it remains to be seen how long Benfica can keep a hold of their prized asset, who is amongst the best attacking midfielders in Europe and has expressed an interest in playing for a top club.
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