Friday, 20th September, 2013
La Liga giants Barcelona are gearing up to engage Premier League champions Manchester United in a bidding war to sign Benfica's defensive lynchpin Ezequiel Garay come the January transfer window.
The Red Devils were close to sealing the deal for Garay during the summer, but were not able to push the purchase over the line and had to settle on only one notable signing in the end, Everton's Marouane Fellaini.
And while the Old Trafford giants are preparing for renewed talks once the window re-opens come January, their plans might be derailed by the entry of Barcelona into the race.
According to Punto Pelota, current Barcelona boss Tata Martino is a huge fan of Garay, and has picked the Argentine defender to play alongside Blaugrana icon Carles Puyol, meaning the club will challenge Manchester United for the Argentine.
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Garay has become a key fixture in Benfica's defensive line since he arrived at the club from Spanish side Real Madrid, and it remains to be seen if the Portuguese heavyweights would be willing to let go of such an important player.
Garay's current contract with Benfica is set to run until 2015.
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