Liverpool Eye £20m Bid to Sign United and City Target Nicolas Gaitan - Report

Liverpool are considering a move in signing Benfica star Nicolas Gaitan in the coming transfer window, according to the Tutto Mercato Web.

The Argentine international had been linked with Manchester United in the past few transfer windows, while their arch rivals Manchester City were also believed to be in the hunt for signing him in recent times.

The report claims that the Merseyside club are set to beat United and City in landing Gaitan as the Reds prepare a £20m bid in bringing the midfielder to Anfield. The 26-year-old joined the Portuguese side in 2010 and has been a regular figure for Benfica.

Gaitan played a key role in helping his side reach the finals of the Europa League last season, only to lose to Chelsea in the final moments of the game. He is also an integral part of the Portuguese club that will face Sevilla in this year's Europa League final on 14 May.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has admitted that the Reds are looking to bring in five to six players in the summer. The Champions League returns to Anfield next season and with the Merseyside club back in Europe's top club competition, the Northern Irishman is looking to bring in reinforcements.

The former Swansea manager is believed to be an admirer of Gaitan and Rodgers could make an approach for the Argentine's services. A bid of £20m in the summer could see Liverpool seal the deal for the attacking midfielder.

The Benfica midfielder has been attracting interest from top clubs in England. Earlier this year, Gaitan admitted that he could leave his current employers and try for getting some experience in another league.

"I'd like to try an experience in another league, but now I have a contract with Benfica and here I'm fine. After three and half years in this team I feel part of a big club like Benfica," the Tutto Mercato Web quoted Gaitan as saying.

"I am happy that Benfica have focused on me: this game often in Europe and this allows me to compare myself with great players," he added.