Ezequiel Garay: Is he Manchester United-bound?

According to several reports, English giants Manchester United have agreed a deal with Benfica that will take defender Ezequiel Garay to Old Trafford. The 26 year old Argentine is subject to a £17 million deal and it seems as though the former Real Madrid man will move to Manchester in the summer.

In his contract, there is a clause that Real Madrid are eligible for a 50% cut of the next transfer Garay is to undergo.

Ferguson likes to tie up his dealings early during the transfer market with Ashley Young, Javier Hernandez and Shinji Kagawa all being examples of Ferguson’s recent quality signings. Garay has been in scintillating form this season and that form has seen his side concede just 14 goals in 23 games.

The defender has also been linked with several big clubs in Europe clubs over the past few weeks, Chelsea and former rival team Barcelona being some of those names mentioned.

Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson may feel reinforcements are necessary as veteran duo Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand are getting on in age, injuries and inconsistencies between Chris Smalling and Phil Jones.

Garay is 26 and has played at a high level and in Europe. He may be considered a long term replacement for Rio Ferdinand. Garay has represented his country on 11 occasions and was part of the side that hammered Venezuela 3-0 on Friday. At 6ft 4, Garay possesses strength, mobility and pace, all essential aspects that will help to cope with the demands of the Premier League.

At this point, Manchester United have taken a 15 point lead ahead of Manchester City in Premier League. The Premier League leaders face Sunderland on Saturday at the Stadium Of Light and play Chelsea in the Quarter Finals of the FA Cup on April 1st.