Benfica Signing Ready To Replace United Defensive Target

Argentine defender Lisandro Lopez says he is ready to replace Ezequiel Garay should the defender make the move to Manchester United in the summer.

United are continuing to be linked with a move for Garay, despite a changeover in managers at the club since their interest in the Argentina international became apparent.

The Red Devils displayed some of their worst defensive performances under Sir Alex Ferguson last season, and as David Moyes settles in at Old Trafford, the new boss will be looking at how to improve the defence as Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic continue to suffer from injury concerns.

And it seems Benfica are already prepared to lose Garay to the English giants, with replacement signing Lopez - not to be confused with the Lyon striker who shares the same name - insisting he will be able to fill the 26 year old's shoes.

"I believe in my own ability and I am ready for everything, even to replace Garay," he said, according to Sky Sports. "I spent three wonderful years at Arsenal [di Sarandi], I take with me very positive things.

"Now I am going to have the chance to improve my career in a European league, and that is going to give me much more experience and the chance to be recalled to the national team.

"I am just 23 years old and everything has happened very fast to me. I have to be calm and keep my feet on the ground."

Benfica had the Portuguese title cruelly stolen from them last season after a late surge from Porto and the side will be desperate to get back to being the best again next season.

And though they would loathe to lose Garay, the pull of joining a club who are looking to a new chapter without Ferguson may well be tempting for the former Real Madrid defender.