Man United in pole position to sign Benfica's Nicolas Gaitan, says agent

The Argentine playmaker looks set to leave Portugal this summer and has some of Europe's biggest clubs tracking any potential move.

Old Trafford chief Sir Alex Ferguson is known to be a huge fan of the creative 24-year-old and is rumoured to be ready to snap him up once the summer transfer window opens.

And the possibility of that happening appears to have become more likely after Gaitan's agent spoke favourably of his client's views on a move to north-west England.

Jose Ibarren said: 'Nicolas likes Manchester United a lot. He would like to play for Manchester United. If there is an offer for him, Nicolas would be happy to listen and negotiate.'

Gaitan helped Benfica secure a draw at Old Trafford in November

It is believed that United are already negotiating with Benfica over a fee for the player, who helped his current side knock the Red Devils out of the Champions League earlier this season.

United are known to be looking for reinforcements in the middle of the park as Ryan Giggs and Paul
Scholes are both in their late 30s, while the likes of Michael Carrick are past their peak. Other options include the inexperienced Paul Pogba and Tom Cleverley.