Atletico Madrid Step Up Interest In Manchester United Transfer Target

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Benfica’s attacking midfielder Nicolas Gaitan is the latest target for Atletico Madrid, as they look to rebuild their team…

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Atletico Madrid are closing in on the signing of Benfica midfielder Nicolas Gaitan, who has also been linked with a move to Manchester United and Liverpool.

Portuguese newspaper O Jorgo report that the Spanish champions are leading the race for the 26-year-old Argentine, who joined Benfica from Boca Juniors in 2010. Benfica are keen to cash in on their star, as they desperately look to raise funds.

Madrid manager Diego Simeone wants the Argentine to become his second marquee signing of the summer following the arrival of Mario Mandzukic from Bayern Munich.

The Champions League finalists are undergoing something of a rebuilding process after seeing star striker Diego Costa depart for Chelsea, while goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has completed his loan spell and also returned to Stamford Bridge. Full-back Filipe Luis is also thought to be closing in on a £20m move to join the Blues.

Gaitain has been rumoured to be one of a number of transfer targets for Manchester United, with the Daily Express suggesting a possible £30m bid from new Old Trafford boss Louis van Gaal.

The player was also linked with Liverpool mid-way through last season, but they now appear set on recruiting Gaitan’s club teammate Lazar Markovic.

However, Atletico now look the favourites for the player’s signature. Gaitan, an attacking midfielder by trade, has scored 26 goals in 177 games for Benfica, and has been capped six times by his country.

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