'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Manchester United have reportedly lost the lead in the race for highly-sought after Benfica defender, Ezequiel Garay.
Benfica defender Garay has been a Manchester United target for some months and is even more so now with the news that Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand are both leaving the club.
The Argentine centre-back has been a key figure in Benfica’s season this year, however, he seemed destined for pastures new with Manchester United waiting in the pipeline. However, it seems Italian champions Juventus have made a move for the former Real Madrid defender and are currently leading the race, according to the Express.
Italian sources claim that the 27-year-old centre-back is topping Antonio Conte’s wish list and it seems the Old Lady may get their wish, with Garay reportedly interest in a switch.
Manchester United have been monitoring Garay for a number of months and the news will come as a big blow as they look to bolster their defensive ranks. With both Vidic and Ferdinand leaving, Louis van Gaal’s new side look defensively weak and the Dutchman will be looking to rectify that as soon as possible.
Garay has been included in Argentina’s provisional 30-man squad for the World Cup.
