Rumour: Liverpool to battle Manchester United for Nicolas Gaitan

Liverpool are hoping to steal a march on rival Manchester United in the race to sign Nicolas Gaitan at the end of the season, report TalkSport.

United have been long-term admirers of the talented Argentinian midfielder who currently plies his trade for Benfica, but they could face a heavy blow should Liverpool follow up their interest with a bid.

Brendan Rodgers has had Gaitan – who scored a wonderful free-kick against PAOK Salonika last week – watched on several occasions as he looks to enhance his much-improved squad and it is believed that he could make the move to Anfield should the Reds qualify for the Champions League.

Liverpool’s owners have proven recently that they are willing to back Rodgers in the transfer market, so Benfica’s reported £16million fee will do little to put off the Reds, while United have given manager David Moyes a £150m warchest with which to rebuild his faltering squad.

The Argentine international would not however be prepared to leave Estadio de Luz for anything other than Champions League football however and the likelihood of United missing out on a place in the top four puts their ability to snare the midfielder in doubt, leaving a clear path for Liverpool to bring his talents to Anfield.