Portuguese newspaper, Record has reported that Manchester United have made an offer to Benfica for Argentine midfielder, Nicolás Gaitán but as it fell short of the £36 million release clause it has been rejected by the Portuguese champions. The amount offered was not released but it believed to be more than rival bids from Atletico Madrid and Monaco.

Gaitán has been one of Benfica’s outstanding performers since switching from Boca Juniors in 2010 and the 26-year-old has two years remaining on his current deal at the Estádio da Luz.

Having already lost Ezequiel garay and Lazar Marković among others, Benfica would be loathed to lose Gaitán too. As Águias are keen to get the attacking midfielder tied down to a new deal particularly with the player not appearing to try and force a move.

However, if they are to lose such an influential player then it will be for the stated release clause of £36 million (€45 million).

It is highly unlikely that Manchester United would be willing to meet such a high fee and so unless Benfica drop their demands or Gaitán pushes the move (like Marcos Rojo) any deal would appear dead.

United’s interest in the player goes back a number of seasons and while Gaitán might provide some world-class width, that van Gaal is keen to recruit, the price tag is likely to end their interest.

Monaco on the other hand, have the available funds and are looking for a replacement since selling James Rodriguez to Real Madrid.

Gaitán did not make the Argentina squad for the World Cup but is still in consideration. A move to one of Europe’s top clubs could see him chances of breaking into the national side enhanced.