Manchester United target Nicolas Gaitan: Juventus make move to sign Benfica's Argentine midfielder

Manchester United are set to lose out on yet another summer transfer target as Nicolas Gaitan, who has been heavily linked with a move to the Red Devils, is closing in on a move to Juventus. The Argentine international was eyed by Louis van Gaal as a perfect replacement for Angel Di Maria, who joined Paris Saint-Germain after just one season at Old Trafford.

According to Portuguese daily A Bola, the Italian giants are negotiating a deal with Benfica over a move for the midfielder, who has been impressive for the Portuguese club in recent seasons. The report claimed that apart from United and Juventus, PSG and Valencia are also interested in signing Gaitan.

The 27-year-old has been a regular for Benfica since his arrival from Boca Juniors in 2010. He was impressive during the 2014/15 campaign, when his four goals and a massive 15 assists helped his team complete the domestic double.

Van Gaal has admitted that he is keen to sign a player who can add speed and creativity to the squad, and was linked with a move for Barcelona star Pedro Rodriguez. But a late twist saw the Spanish international join Premier League rivals Chelsea.

Gaitan's reported move to Juventus will be another blow for the Red Devils, following the disappointment of Pedro, and according to Spanish publication AS the Portuguese club had a verbal agreement with the 20-times English champions to sell Gaitan to Old Trafford in the event of Di Maria's departure.

Meanwhile, according to the Guardian, Fernando Llorente is close to sealing a move to Sevilla after falling down the pecking order at Juventus following the arrival of Mario Mandzukic and Paulo Dybala from Atletico Madrid and Palermo respectively.