Last Updated: Sat, 23 Mar 2013 10:10
Manchester United are reportedly winning the race to sign Benfica's Argentinian defender Ezequiel Garay this summer.
Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson has been keeping tabs on the 26-year-old former Real Madrid central defender for much of the season with his brother, Martin, recently watching him in action against Beira-Mar earlier this month.
However, following reports that Premier League rivals Chelsea are now expressing an interest in trying to lure Garay to Stamford Bridge at the end of the season, it is being claimed that United have stepped up their efforts by entering negotiations with the Portuguese outfit about a deal.
United would have to pay around £15million to sign Garay but he would be the ideal long-term replacement for 34-year-old veteran Rio Ferdinand, who is out of contract at the end of the season and may leave, despite Ferguson's admission that he would like him to stay.
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