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Manchester United are closing in on the signing of Ezequiel Garay as the first installment of their major summer shake-up at Old Trafford, according to the Mirror.
United are preparing a summer transfer kitty of over £150 million to revitalise their squad after defeat to Manchester City left them nursing their tenth defeat of the season and on course to record their lowest ever points tally in the Premier League.
Garay has made it clear he wishes to move on from Benfica and test himself in a more prominent league, and with just one year left on his contract with the Portuguese giants, they are looking to sell him this summer in order to recoup some transfer fee,
United have made defensive reinforcements a priority for the close season, with captain Nemanja Vidic having signed a pre-contract agreement to join Inter Milan when his deal at Old Trafford expires in the summer.
Rio Ferdinand is also expected to retire from football at the end of the season, while there are still question marks over whether Chris Smalling is suitable for a regular central defensive role.
United are hoping to get a deal done for the defender before he jets off to the World Cup with Argentina in June, but will face competition from neighbours Manchester City and Zenit St Petersburg.
