Manchester United weighing up bid for Spanish stalwart
Following a raft of injuries at Old Trafford, Benfica midfielder Javier Garcia is the latest player to be linked with a move to the Premier League giants.
Sir Alex Ferguson has been left short of options in his defence and midfield and despite claiming otherwise, may be forced to act in the January transfer window.
Among the names on the injury list are Tom Cleverley, Anderson as well as the da Silva twins.
Darren Fletcher is also out of the game for the foreseeable future while he struggles against a stomach illness, while Nemanja Vidic has been ruled out for the season after twisting his knee badly in the Champions League loss against Basel.
As a result of the string of absences, there is the possibility that the Red Devils may be seeing a new face or two come February as the side strive to retain their Premier League title.
Garcia is a graduate of the infamous Real Madrid youth academy but, despite two spells with the team, failed to make an impression playing for the senior side.
The 24 year-old came to Portugal in 2009 and has since become a key component of the Benfica midfield, repelling attacks in the defensive midfield position.
Ferguson had plenty of time to get a look at the anchorman as he played more than a helping hand in stopping the United attack in both legs of the teams’ Champions League clashes last month.
‘Javi’ isn’t the only Benfica star on the Red Devil radar either, as the English side are rumoured to be close to a deal for Garcia’s teammate, Nicolas Gaitan.
Although they employ completely different styles, former Spanish under-21 Garcia could presnt the more financially viable option at a reported value of £10m, compared to the £30m price-tag of Gaitan.
