Post by jockcas on Jul 15, 2013 17:23:05 GMT
Benfica defender Ezequiel Garay has edged closer to a Manchester United transfer after news emerged the two clubs agreed on a £17 milion deal
The Argentina international centre back has been a long-term target for United.
Despite reportedly having agreed in principle over the transfer, the Manchester club had not had an official bid accepted by Benfica.
complications over the player's sell-on fee to his former side Real Madrid had stalled the deal.
Reports in Spain now suggest that an official offer has been made which, in line with the original gentleman's agreement between the two parties, Benfica have now accepted.
The Garay deal will be worth £17m but half of that sum will be paid directly to Real Madrid, who inserted a 50% sell-on clause in the deal they agreed over his transfer to Benfica in 2011.
After losing out in the chase for Barcelona attacking midfielder Thiago Alcantara - who is set to join Bayern Munich - United are now understood to be determined to conclude deals for their remaining transfer targets.