Nicolas Gaitan

[King Binny]

Liverpool ready to lodge 18m bid, according to Portuguese media

http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/Benfica/interior.aspx?content_id=769837

Google translation:

Long coveted by Manchester United, now also comes Gaitán in the accounts of Liverpool. The Reds follow much the Argentina international, 24, and are willing to proceed with a proposed 18 million for his pass.

Forced to sell assets to ensure financial stability, Luis Filipe Vieira waiting for a superior offer to release the extreme that, remember, is bound by 2016 and shielded by a termination clause of 45 million euros. After months of negotiations with the Red Devils, who until now did not have the desired effect, the red DSS now has the opportunity to study a new solution to ensure a significant financial plug. The question is whether the interest of Liverpool will not revive the passion of Manchester United.

Read this article in its entirety in the print edition of Record on Saturday.

Transfer rumour picked up by English media:

Liverpool are ready to go toe to toe with Manchester United for Benfica midfielder Nicolas Gaitan, according to Portuguese newspaper Record.

Gaitan has been heavily linked with Manchester United for some time now, and while he remains on the radar of the Old Trafford club, their interest has cooled sufficiently to give Liverpool hope they can land their man.

Negotiations with Manchester United have been on-going for some time; however the stalemate in talks has opened up room for Liverpool to pounce.

Record report that Benfica are willing to consider offers for Gaitan in order to secure their financial future, with Liverpool ready to offer £18 million for the Argentinian maestro.

The 24-year-old, who impressed against Chelsea and Manchester United in the Champions League last season, has a release clause of around €45 million written into his contract, however the financial instability of Benfica means a deal could potentially be done at a much lower price.

News of Liverpool’s impending approach may serve to revive Manchester United’s interest in Gaitan, who, according to Record, are still keeping an eye on developments.

 

[Fabio]

😱

 

[Shadey]

Never heard of him "shrugs shoulders"

 

[King Binny]

Article when he got linked with Man Utd in Apr:

United have lacked creativity at times this season, with Paul Scholes' return a tacit admission that their current midfielders have yet to reach the stage where they can have a consistently effective influence on games.

Given their persistent links to Wesley Sneijder and occasional chatter about Luka Modric being a target, the signing of Benfica's Nicolés Gaitán represents something of a gamble, but if he can reproduce the form he's shown in Lisbon he will quickly become a firm favourite at Old Trafford.

The 24-year old attacking midfielder was seen hugging the left touchline during Benfica's recent Champions League game against Chelsea, but his game is usually more expansive.

He has been fond of switching wings frequently with his Argentine compatriot Pablo Aimar during Benifca matches and is a threat when running directly at full backs or drifting into more central positions.

He is able to play his part in flowing passing moves, as in this goal, one of five Benfica put past Pacos de Ferreira. Gaitan receives the ball in his own half and plays two excellent passes as his side sweep forward before eventually unleashing an inch-perfect shot that curls into the top corner. The bad football boot advert editing job may labour the point slightly, but does demonstrate Gaitan's ability to contribute as both creator and scorer:



Gaitán is fond of a perfectly-placed curling shot from outside the box, as evidenced by this peach against Trabzonspor in this season's Champions League:



The midfielder's technique is undoubtable. This first-time volley, hit on the run and off a quick cross, demonstrates why Gary Neville may well be sallivating over a giant iPad at his natural talent next season.



As an out-and-out winger Gaitán is more than capable of beating his man with a combination of pace and skills and possesses excellent crossing ability which has helped him to five Champions League assists this season, making him joint-leader in providing goals in the competition. More often than not if Gaitán doesn't get past his man it means he's been fouled:



Gaitán is prone to the odd demonstration of somewhat cheeky skills, which should quickly win over any Old Trafford sceptics. This literal backpass is a good example:

 

[hmmmmm1]

Believe it when I see it, we have been preparing to lodge a bid for Gaston for 6 months.

 

[Peatcheo]

Seen him play a few times and was impressed!

 

[Hansern]

Yes!!!!!!! This was one of the players I wanted to sign!

 

[Fabio]

Looks decent like, but... Not pant wettingly exciting though

 

[Hansern]

He's good Fabs, very good!

 

[dmishra]

And we won't sign him.

 

[Hansern]

And we won't sign him.

Boooooo! But yeah, you're probably right. To good to be true.

 

[MaBigTip]

Idk, we are still missing someone for the RW spot IMO. Seems like he could make a good Inside Forward.

 

[Skullflower]

Never gonna happen.

 

[Woland]

Manure monging up their stock market cack gives me some hope, but not much.

 

[RolandG]

Too good to be true. When last have we pipped any team to a signing?

 

[King Binny]

There have been no bids from Manchester United or Liverpool for Benfica's in-demand midfielder Nicolas Gaitan, according to the player's agent.

Gaitan, 24, has been linked with a move to the Premier League, with Manchester United and Liverpool said to be keen on the Portugal international.

His representative, however, has claimed there have been no concrete bids for the player who signed for Benfica from Boca Juniors in 2010.

"Gaitan is a Benfica player, and he is happy with them," Jose Iribarren told Record. "I do not know of any offer on the table, I have only seen what was written in the newspapers.

"If an offer appears we would study it, but the intention of Nico is to be with Benfica next season."