Transfer News: United & City Step Up Gaitan Interest

With most eyes firmly fixed on the mouthwatering weekend of football that lies ahead, we’ve been looking for the latest transfer news doing the rounds today.

There’s not a lot about, which is surprising given the fact we’re in the middle of the January transfer window, but it seems there has been very little action across the whole of Europe, not just the Premier League.

The Daily Mail does have one story today, that suggests both Manchester United and Manchester City have stepped up their interest in Benfica midfielder Nicolas Gaitan.

The report claims the Manchester rivals both sent scouts to watch the player in action during Benfica’s 2-0 victory over Santa Clara on Wednesday night, with the 23-year-old having a £37.5m release clause in his contract.

Gaitan moved to Benfica from Boca Juniors in 2010 and has gone on to score 11 goals and provide 18 assists in 63 appearances so far. This impressive form has seen him break into the Argentinean national team set up, with 6 caps to his name.

He’s certainly a mercurial talent and not dissimilar to Juan Román Riquelme in his playing style, so it’s no wonder United and City are scouting him. But is he worth the hefty transfer fee? I’m not convinced just yet.

Hopefully we’ll have some juicier transfer gossip for you next time!