Despite the player recently stating that he was happy playing for Benfica, Tottenham are preparing to throw their hats into the mix to sign Nicolas Gaitan.

The winger has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United but bitter rivals Manchester City have also shown an interest in signing the player.

Gaitan played a role in United’s Champions League exit earlier this season and Sir Alex Ferguson seems keen on completing a £22m deal to sign the star in the summer if not this month.

However, Harry Redknapp now appears adamant to spoil the Scot’s plans as he braces for some interest in some of his own stars.

Luka Modric, Aaron Lennon, Gareth Bale and Rafael van der Vaart have been linked with a White Hart Lane exit in recent weeks and should either of the Lilywhites’ playmakers leave the club in 2012, Gaitan wouldn’t be too shabby a replacement.

The Argentine international has made 22 starts for Benfica this term, scoring two goals and notching up an impressive 11 assists in all competitions.

Harry Redknapp hinted in December that Spurs would complete a ‘major signing’ in January as they look to push on in their hopes of winning the Premier League and Gaitan could certainly be just that.

Spurs are currently well stocked on the left wing with the ever improving form of Gareth Bale but could deploy Gaitan in a more central position should he complete a move.

Although the North London side are yet to make any big moves this month, Redknapp isn’t opposed to completing a deadline day deal as he has shown in the past and Gaitan’s signature would certainly help the club in their Premier League ascension.

1. Richard Wright

   2:04 PM on January 28, 2012

   nicolas gaitan sounds great signing we could offload bentley dos santos pienaar pavlyuchenko etc we need goals to push on, a striker upgrade priority now please then another in the summer c`mon! north london spooks.

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