Manchester United Transfer Rumor: Are Red Devils Ready to Make £42 Million January Bid for the Benfica Pair?

English Champions Manchester United have reportedly accelerated their interest in the Portuguese Primeira Liga side Benfica’s talented midfield pair – Spaniard Javi Garcia and Argentine Nicolas Gaitan – and are planning to move in with an official bid before any other clubs in Europe do.

United had previously sent scouts to monitor both Gaitan and Garcia at Benfica’s matches against Naval and Sporting Lisbon matches to know more about the players and their playing styles, rather than to prepare for United’s Champions League encounter with Benfica which took place on Nov. 22. Both the players featured in the game.

It is now clear that the United boss Sir Alex Ferguson feels that he needs to reinforce his squad after his side was eliminated from this year’s Champions League and also fell five points behind local rivals Manchester City in the Premier League title race. An attempt to sign these players may help to make up for the lost time and points.

Now, if the new reports are to be believed, United have already asked Benfica to alert them of any moves from other clubs for either of the two midfielders, as both have impressed in the two games against United in the recent past.

Garcia, a former Real Madrid man, is a talented defensive midfielder and is about to make his way into the Spanish national team. The 24-year-old can also be played as a useful centre back.

Argentine Gaitan, 23, on the other hand, is an attacking midfielder who previously played with Boca Juniors before arriving at Portugal. The player is now considered a focal point for the club’s attacking gameplay. The Argentine is known for his vision and assists and is also a regular goalscorer.

The Pair has been valued by their club at around £42 million, according to a Caughtoffside report.