Manchester United scouts watch Benfica defender target in action

Manchester United scouts have travelled to Lisbon to watch Benfica defender Ezequiel Garay once more, according to Portuguese newspaper Record.

Reports earlier this month suggested United were keen on Garay amidst concerns over the long-term fitness of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.

Record report that representatives from Manchester United were present to watch Garay in Benfica's 2-0 win over Pacos de Ferreira last night in which the Argentinian international made his return from a shoulder injury.

The paper reports that the Red Devils went as far as to make a bid for the 26-year-old, but were knocked back after Benfica deemed it to be insufficient. Scouts from Chievo were also casting an eye over the defender.

With time fast running out, a summer move for the Argentinian international seems most likely.

Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson remains adamant that there will be no new arrivals in the January transfer window, although a deal has already been agreed for Crystal Palace's Wilfried Zaha to head to Old Trafford in the summer.