United Weigh In On £25m Argentine Playmaker Rumours

Manchester United have insisted that there is 'zero chance' that Nicolas Gaitan will be moving to the club in January, despite the Argentine's agent claiming that initial talks are taking place with the Red Devils over a deal.

Gaitan has starred for Benfica since joining the side from Boca Juniors in 2010, and Sir Alex Ferguson has seen the playmaker's skills first hand when his side faced the Portuguese giants in the Champions League.

United have been reportedly chasing Gaitan for some time, and yesterday the 23 year old's agent revealed that he believed talks had taken place between the clubs for a possible deal.

"I have not received any contact from United but there have been conversations between the two clubs," he told Antena.

"If these talks progress, then we will get our time to speak.

"But Nico is very happy at Benfica and is looking forward to enjoying a successful season."

But now Sky Sports claims that multiple sources from within United are saying that there is no possibility of Gaitan moving to the club, whether it be in January or next summer.

Ferguson has continually ruled out any activity in the January transfer window for United, with the manager arguing that any long term targets the club is considering won't be available until next summer at least.

But injuries are building up in the United squad, and while Ferguson has fought suggestions of purchasing a playmaker to replace Paul Scholes on many occasions, now he seems more likely than ever to be forced into buying someone who can bring life back into the midfield.

Christan Erisken and Mario Gotze have both also been connected to the English giants, while Wesley Sneijder is a name that keeps cropping up, despite Ferguson making continual denials that the side are chasing the Inter Milan star.

The deal with Sneijder fell through over the £35 million price he was demanding for a transfer, coupled with £200,000 a week pay packet. While Gaitan is worth a hefty £25 million, it would be assumed that with his wage demands he is overall a far cheaper option than the Dutchman.

Ferguson often keeps his cards very close to his chest in preparation for the transfer window, and the United manager hasn't often gone into the market mid-season. But with conflicting comments coming from the club and from Gaitan's agent, fans and pundits alike will be watching the Scot's moves very closely as January 1<sup>st rolls around.