Manchester United are in talks with Benfica over a move for midfielder Nicolas Gaitan, according to the player’s agent.
A fee of around €35 million is thought to be on the table to bring the Argentine to Old Trafford, with manager Sir Alex Ferguson desperate to improve his midfield.
One element that could make the deal easier for both sides is the player’s representative, Jorge Mendes, who has orchestrated several big-money moves – including Cristiano Ronaldo, Anderson, Nani and David de Gea – for the English club.
Gaitan only signed for the Primeira Liga runners-up last season, but stands to receive around 20 per cent of any transfer fee if the deal were to go through.
Jose Irribaran told Antena: “I have not received any contact from United, but there have been conversations between the clubs.
“If these talks progress, then we will get our time to speak.”