Manchester United 'monitor' summer transfer target Ezequiel Garay

Red Devils seeking long term replacements for current centre-backs

Ezequiel Garay in action for Argentina (GETTY IMAGES)

Manchester United have sent scouts to watch Benfica defender Ezequiel Garay according to reports today.

The Daily Mail claim the current Premier League leaders are lining up a summer bid for the Argentina international as they seek long term replacements for current first choice centre-backs Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.

It's claimed that it is not the first time United have sent scouts to Portugal to watch the 26-year-old in action, with Benfica's games against Sporting Lisbon and Olhanense watched last season.

The defender is valued in the region of £15m and Benfica are open to Garay departing with interest also being shown by Juventus and other European clubs. Garay's former club, Real Madrid, would be entitled to half the fee according to the report.