Nicolas Gaitan Puts Spurs, Manchester United on Alert

Argentine international and Benfica midfielder Nicolas Gaitan has announced that he may be open to a transfer to other leagues with Tottenham and Manchester United his preferred destinations. Jose Iribarren, the player’s agent declared that though he had previously made up his mind not to leave Benfica during this transfer window; he has had a change of mind and would be open to moving to the English Premier League “If a potential buyer makes an offer that interests Benfica, we will carefully consider it”, Speaking further to the Express, he vowed to “put the club first, to help with their serious problems”alluding to the club dire financial situation of the club.

Several reports claim that Benfica are willing to sell the player should the right monetary offer which will enable them sort some of their own financial problems arrive for the player. There has been no official statement from the Benfica, so it remains to be seen if the club will be willing to let him go or if they will explore alternative avenues to resolve their financial situation. No transfer fee has been place on him making all of these mere speculations.

All these notwithstanding, the player has been on the radar of some top European clubs notably Manchester United, Tottenham, Liverpool and Zenit Saint Petersburg managed by former Tottenham boss, Andre Villas Boas. Mauricio Pochettino, Tottenham’s new manager has already indicated interest in bring his fellow countryman to the English Premier League. Whether Gaitan would eventually leave Benfica this summer and where he could end up are still speculations. The player’s potential impact in any of his preferred destinations could prove very vital.

Louis van Gaal’s perception of Gaitan has not been widely publicised and the Dutch may end up not making the move to bring the player to Old Trafford. According to Whoscored, He can play in a few midfield positions: left hand side of the midfield, attacking midfield from the left and the centre. He has speed which can fittingly complement an attacking formation.

He can play as a winger and an attacking midfielder, the same position for which Alexis Sanchez and Angel Di Maria can play and are players that interested United’s Dutch manager according to reports. Last season, he made 42 appearances for his club and got 6 goals. He has been very consistent for his club. Personally I will prefer us to go for the bigger names in Di Maria, Alexis Sanchez and Pedro ( if the reports linking us to them are true ) . However, should United not succeed in bringing in Sanchez and or Di Maria, they could likely turn attention to Nicolas Gaitan.