Manchester United have been dealt a huge blow in their pursuit of Benfica’s Nicolas Gaitan
The sought after winger was expected to leave Portuguese giants Benfica for Manchester United in an explosive deal worth £22million. However, Gaitan has revealed that he is prepared to stay and honour is contract.
Gaitan said “I have a contract with Benfica and will stay at Benfica, of course,”. Gaitan renewed his contract last November, extending his stay with Benfica until 2018, but this new deal included a reduction in his release clause – to €35 million.
The Argentine midfielder has been strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford over the last two transfer windows, but it is unclear whether the Premier League outfit will step up their chase and make an offer.
The transfer saga between the two parties could well be over this summer in the wake of Gaitan’s insistent stance of staying with Benfica, who regard him as a key first team player.
Atletico Madrid
Gaitan has also been linked with a move to La Liga giants Atletico Madrid, and according to Spanish news outlet Marca a fee may have been agreed between the two clubs as Atletico prepare for life with out Turk Arda Turan.
This is a clear indication of the Spanish outfit’s plans to replace the outgoing Turan, who has expressed his uncertainty at the Vicente Calderon and has therefore attracted the attention of Barcelona as well as Premier League rivals Chelsea and Manchester United.
With a potential Atletico deal for Gaitan being drawn up, the Red Devils will miss out on a player who notched four goals – while providing an incredible 15 assists and played a major role in Benfica’s domestic success.
