Rumour: Manchester United close in on long-term target, Ezequiel Garay

Perennially linked with the club over the course of the past two seasons, The Metro report that Benfica defender Ezequiel Garay could be set to finally move to Manchester United. The towering centre half has been a long term target of the Old Trafford club, and is rumoured to be the target of an £8 million offer. Benfica have so far resisted offers for the Argentine international, but Portuguese newspaper A Bola reports that it now looks as though they may lose him at the end of the season.

Earmarked as a long term replacement for the ageing Rio Ferdinand, Garay would bring with him a physical presence to the United backline. Standing at an imposing 6 foot 4 inches, the former Real Madrid man would have little trouble adapting to the physical demands of the Premier League.

Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand’s Old Trafford careers both look to be coming to a close, leaving the less experienced trio of Jonny Evans, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling as the club’s centre backs.

If David Moyes were to lose both Ferdinand and Vidic, then Garay would provide the club with an experienced replacement. A veteran of three years at Real Madrid, prior to his spell at Benfica, the 27 year old has face the most extreme kind of pressure before and would go some way to replacing the likes of Vidic and Ferdinand.

Should United succeed in the move for the Benfica defender, then he could prove to be a bargain buy at £8 million.

In his six Champions League appearances this season, Garay has made 37 clearances. He averages eight defensive actions per game, more than any other Benfica player.