Manchester United and Tottenham eye Argentine defender Garay

Add as a preferred source on Google

Bengaluru, August 23: Premier League giants Manchester United and Tottenham have both registered their interest in Valencia defender Ezequiel Garay with scouts from both clubs in attendance during the club's 1-0 win over Las Palmas last weekend.

Spanish media claim that both sides are eager to sign the Argentine stopper but are facing competition from Italian giants Juventus and Portuguese side Benfica.

The 30-year-old arrived to Spain from Russian outfit Zenit St Petersburg last year for €24million (£22m). He was on the verge of a return to Russia earlier in the window to sign for Spartak Moscow, but pulled out due to personal issues.

Spanish media 'Super Deporte' go on to state United sent Carlos Ruiz, their chief Spanish scout, and top club scout Javier Ribalta, who travelled all the way from Manchester, to the past weeken's game.

Manchester United would be hopeful of landing their target as Spurs have already signed Davinson Sanchez from Ajax and are also closing in on Argentina youngster Juan Foyth. While, Manchester United could offer Garay a regular first-team place which Juventus might not be able to offer which puts Mourinho's side as front runners.

The centre-back would undoubtedly add quality to either defence but with Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld being the first names on Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino's team sheet, United would certainly look appealing to the Argentine.

Also, Manchester United could satisfy Garay in terms of finance than Spurs without any shadow of a doubt.

With age not on his side, Valencia may well have to let Garay go for less than the £22million they spent on him but you never know, they might regret it later.

The Argentina international spent one season (2010-11) working with Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid. So, the United manager is certainly well aware of his qualities.