Rumour: Valencia set to hijack Liverpool and Man United move for Ezequiel Garay and Rodrigo

Garay was heavily linked with the Red Devils last summer

Valencia are reportedly set to hijack Liverpool and Manchester United’s move for Benfica duo, Ezequiel Garay and Rodrigo, according to the Express.

Manchester United hired Louis van Gaal as manager today and there are reports already he has lined up who he wants to bring to the club this summer.

Man Utd and Liverpool have been chasing the duo according to reports, with the former particularly interested in centre-back Garay. Both Garay and Rodrigo are thought to cost in the region of £50 million combined. However, Valencia are set to nudge Liverpool and United to one side and snap up the pair.

Singaporean businessman Peter Lim recently took over as Valencia’s new owner and pledged over £342m to clear the club of debts. Lim also vowed to invest heavily in the transfer market in-order to reinstate Valencia amongst Europe’s elite, after the Spanish side lost their stranglehold in La Liga recently.

Man United were in pole position to sign Argentine international, Garay, particularly after Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand announced they will be leaving the club in the summer.

Liverpool were monitoring Rodrigo as they looked to bolster their attacking options. The former Bolton loanee has netted 15 times for Benfica this season and has attracted a number of potential suitors across Europe for his fine performances, particularly in the Europa League.