Man Utd Trasnfer News: United Linked With Argentinean Defender

With the January transfer window now open for business we’ll be keeping you up-to-date with all the latest transfer gossip. Today, Manchester United are linked with a move for a new centre-back.

Manchester United have stepped up there interest in Benfica defender Ezequiel Garay after sending scouts to watch the Argentinean international last weekend, according to the Daily Mail.

The report claims United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is on the look-out for long-term replacements for Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic and is understood to have identified Benfica stopper Garay as a potential candidate.

The newspaper report that Fergie has already sent scouts to run-the-rule over the talented 26-year-old during Benfica’s games against Sporting Lisbon and Olhanense this season and it’s understood the Scot once again sent representatives to watch the player in action during a 2-2 draw with Porto last Sunday.

Garay has been in superb form since joining the Portuguese outfit in 2011 after two unsuccessful seasons in Spain with Real Madrid. However, the Mail claim Benfica are in financial trouble and can no longer afford to pay his wages and would be willing to sell for a fee in the region of £15m – with Madrid due 50% of any sale.

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United already have Jonny Evans, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones on the books at Old Trafford and in-line to take over from the ageing Vidic and Ferdinand, but you can never have too many quality centre-backs and I feel Garay would be an excellent additions if Fergie decides to follow his his reported interest.

United’s defence has been uncharacteristically leaky this season so it wouldn’t be a surprise if Ferguson does bring in another centre back soon, but the United boss isn’t really a fan of the January window so this may be one that has to wait till the summer.

Would United fans like to see Garay come to Old Trafford? Get involved in the comments section below.