Rumour: Manchester United target expresses desire to move

With the appalling form of the current crop wingers at Manchester United, the news that long-time target Nicolás Gaitán is looking for a fresh challenge should come as music to Moyes’s ears. The Red Devils have been monitoring the progress of the Argentine winger for some time now and Moyes would be hoping to take advantage of the winger’s openness to a move away from Portuguese side Benfica.

Ever since the 25-year-old Argentine was signed from Boca Juniors in 2010, the winger has impressed one and all with his ability on the left flank. Although plenty of clubs have been interested in the player, including Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United have maintained contact with the Portuguese the club for the past year and a half and there were even reports that an offer was made last summer.

Nevertheless, the presence of plenty of United scouts in Portugal for the past few months perhaps suggest that United are on the verge of landing not just one, but maybe a few more prospects as well. According to reports in Portugal, Sporting Lisbon’s William Carvalho and Gaitán’s Benfica teammate Nemanja Matic have also been linked with United in recent times.

However, it is Gaitán, who is looking increasingly like he might make his way out of Portugal. In an interview with Argentine paper Ole, the winger reportedly said “I’d like to play in another league to know if I am up to it.” And there were reports in Portugal saying that this was a sign that the winger, who has been time and again courted by United, is finally ready to leave.

Whilst it is difficult to say whether he might move immediately in January, Moyes better be prepared with a bid for the £20million-rated player in the near future. The attacking midfielder who predominantly plays on the left wing would be a welcome addition to the United squad which is severely lacking in creativity at the moment, especially in the wings.

United have traditionally been very productive on the flanks, but this year, constant injuries and lack of form of both Nani and Ashley Young means that they are on the lookout for a winger to fill the void. And the Argentine, who has made over 150 appearances for Benfica and has close to 50 assists in his time, might well prove to be the perfect addition to the squad. But whether it happens in January, is something that we will just have to wait and watch.