Transfer news: Manchester United set to miss out on Benfica's Ezequiel Garay

Long term target reportedly set for Russian switch

Charles Reynolds
Tuesday 14 January 2014 14:08 GMT
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Ezequiel Garay of Benfca
Ezequiel Garay of Benfca (Getty Images)

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Manchester United look set to miss out on Benfica defender Ezequiel Garay after Zenit St Petersburg reportedly agreed a deal for the Argentine.

Garay has reportedly been a longstanding target of Manchester United's, linked with a switch to Old Trafford in several recent transfer windows, and was said to be clsoe to a move before Alex Ferguson retired.

However now it appears that Russian side Zenit have beaten the defending Premier League champions to the signature of the Argentine centre-back according to reports in Portugal.

According to local media, the Lisbon club have already agreed a £35m double deal that also includes striker Rodrigo, a former Bolton player.

While the news may come as a blow to David Moyes, he can at least console himself with the fact that Galatasaray have ruled out making a January move for reported target Nemanja Vidic.

Manager Roberto Mancini said: "Every manager would want a player as experienced as Vidic on their team.

"He is the type of player who can really make a difference, however, I need a player who can play Champions League football.

"It doesn't matter how good he is I need a player ahead for the Champions League urgently and as a result Vidic isn't in our plans."

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