|
Nicolas Gaitan has brought an apparent end to speculation linking him with a move to Manchester United by signing a new long-term contract with Benfica. Gaitan, 27, has been repeatedly linked with a United transfer in recent years, with Liverpool also reportedly interested in the attacking midfielder this summer. However, Gaitan put pen to paper with a deal on Wednesday which will see him stay at Estadio da Luz until June 2019 -- one year beyond his previous deal. Gaitan was delighted with the contract -- which has a minimum fee release clause of €45 million (£32.5m) -- telling Benfica's TV channel: "This renewal is fantastic. "It's a vote of confidence from the club and I'm delighted. Reaching an agreement was easy and quick. Both parties are happy." The midfielder -- capped 12 times by Argentina -- took to Facebook on Wednesday to celebrate the deal. He wrote: "Thank you very much to all the people of Benfica for your trust and value in my work. Today I am very happy to renew ties with the club." Gaitan has won two Portuguese league titles, one Portuguese Cup, four League Cups and a Super Cup at Benfica, scoring 34 goals in 234 games for the Eagles. Rui Vitoria's side lost 2-1 at home to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday, but had already secured progress to the last 16 of the competition.
|
