Portuguese media claims deal is practically done.

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Manchester United are on the verge of signing SL Benfica playmaker Nicolas Gaitan, according to reports in Portugal.

The Argentina international has long been linked with a move to Old Trafford, and Portuguese newspaper Record claim a gentleman’s agreement is now in place for the deal to go ahead.

However, whilst the Red Devils’ weakest area at present is thought to be the centre of midfield, Gaitan plays much of his football on the left flank.

Gaitan can play centrally though – and indeed on the right wing cutting inside onto his favoured left foot – and it is his creativity and vision that it thought to appeal most to Man Utd boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

The left foot of Nicolas Gaitan is something of a magic wand, and it is his precise delivery and eye for a defence splitting pass that has resulted in him providing the most assists in this season’s UEFA Champions League so far.

Ryan Giggs may have just signed a new contract to stay at the club for another year, but the Welsh wing wizard won’t be able to play forever – despite defying expectations of a player of his age so often in the latter days of his career.

Perhaps the 23 year-old Gaitan will be groomed as the long term successor to Giggs.

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