United Interest in Spanish Defender ‘Not Serious’

Javi Garcia's agent has insisted that the Spain Under 21 international is not planning on leaving Benfica for Manchester United in the January transfer window, as the Portuguese side prepare take part in the Champions League final 16.

Garcia has been a star for Benfica this season, and Sir Alex Ferguson has seen the 24 year oldcome up against his team first hand in the Champions League group stages.

United themselves have been knocked out of the European tournament, while Benfica finished top of the group. And Manuel Garcia Quillon believes that his client isn't concerned with transfer rumours linking him with the English giants.

"He only thinks about Benfica, and if clubs are interested, they should talk to the president and with us and then we will see," he said, as reported by Metro.

"Right now, there is nothing serious [from United]. Everything we know is through the press. It is crucial that Javi Garcia sees out his contract because Benfica are doing their part.

"He is focused on Benfica, the Portuguese Liga and the Champions League. He wants to do what is best for the club."

United are in the market for a wide range of positions in the next transfer window, and though Ferguson insisted that the club won't buy in January, after Nemanja Vidic and Darren Fletcher confirmed long spells this week with injury and illness respectively, the side will be hard pressed not to build on their squad come the turn of the year.

With the duo out for what looks to be the entire season, United currently have a mammoth nine players out of action, including Javer Hernandez, Rafael and Fabio da Silva, Dimitar Berbatov, Anderson, Michael Owen and Tom Cleverley.

The Red Devils have been connected to a large group of defenders to make up for the loss of Vidic in January, with Gary Cahill, Nathaniel Clyne and Jetro Willems also linked to the side.

But Garcia's experience in both Europe and England, along with his ability to score important goals, would make him an apt fit in the United squad as they look to build some depth while the season fast approaches the business end.