Rumour: Manchester United given boost in pursuit of Ezequiel Garay

Manchester United have been given some encouragement in their long-standing pursuit of Ezequiel Garay, after his agent admitted the Benfica defender could be sold in the summer, according to the Metro.

United have been tracking the Argentine centre-back for a number of years now, with Sir Alex Ferguson a known admirer of the former Real Madrid man from his time in Spain.

Garay had suggested that he was ready to leave Benfica for United last summer before David Moyes was even appointed as manager, but a deal never materialised as the Portuguese club dug their heels in.

United are in dire need of centre-backs for next season, with Nemanja Vidic joining Inter Milan and Rio Ferdinand’s future in football in serious doubt, while Moyes has clearly preferred Chris Smalling as a full-back.

Garay is considered a key member of the Benfica squad, but with just over a year left to run on his contract, his agent has confirmed that the club are considering cashing in on him this summer as opposed to losing him for nothing in 2015.

Rafael Bray, Garay’s agent told reporters: “Benfica resisted the offers so a transfer didn’t materialise at this stage (January), mainly because they wanted the best players to be able to fight for titles.

“We will see what happens in the future. Right now the market is closed and Garay is concentrated on sporting matters, achieving the best possible results and of course, the World Cup.

“Certainly there will be further discussions in the future to clarify the situation.

“In the summer he will be entering the final year of his contract with Benfica, so logically there will be news.”