Ezequiel Garay latest: Manchester United target completes £12m move to Zenit St Petersburg

27-year-old Argentinian joins Andre Villas-Boas from Benfica

Benfica defender Ezequiel Garay claims David Moyes blocked his move to Manchester United (GETTY IMAGES)

Long-term Manchester United target Ezequiel Garay has joined Andre Villas-Boas at Zenit St Petersburg.

The central defender has long been admired by those at Old Trafford but the former Chelsea and Tottenham manager has moved to take him from Benfica.

Garay, 27, is currently in action at the World Cup for Argentina.

The deal is said to be worth about €15m (£12m).

Benfica will only receive around €6m for the player as they own just 40 per cent of his rights. Real Madrid own 50 per cent, while third parties have a 10 per cent stake in the centre back.

Garay, who helped Benfica win the Primeira Liga last year released a statement, saying: "I want to thank everyone at Benfica for three magnificent years and especially the fans for all the love they gave me."

He has agreed a five-year deal with the Russian club.