Rumour: Long time Manchester United target Ezequiel Garay reaches agreement with Bayern Munich

Ezequiel Garay: Rock at the back for Benfica

Reports in South America state that Benfica centre-back Ezequiel Garay has agreed a transfer to Bayern Munich, as revealed by the Daily Star.

The Bundesliga champions are said to have completed a £10 million deal for the Argentine defender, despite the fact his release clause stands at £15 million.

Manchester United were rumoured to be eyeing up Garay as a replacement for the departed Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand, adding some much-needed experience to their youthful defensive line.

Pep Guaridola looks to have pipped Louis van Gaal to the post, however, sealing a deal for the highly rated 27-year-old, who only has one year left on his contract.

The former Racing Santander defender is expected to complete the switch to the German capital upon the World Cup’s conclusion, joining the likes of Jerome Boateng, Dante and Holger Badstuber at the back.

Garay joined the Primeira Liga champions in June 2011 from Real Madrid and since then has made 128 appearances for the Portuguese outfit.

Garay narrowly missed out on a Europa League winners’ medal earlier in the month, when Benfica lost on penalties (4-2) to Sevilla in the final.