The Portuguese outfit announced the arrival of Medhi Carcela from Standard Liege on Saturday, which would suggest Gaitan is going in the opposite direction.

Gaitan, 27, has reportedly reached an agreement to join United in the summer, as Louis van Gaal looks to strengthen his midfield options ahead of next season.

It is understood that the Red Devils could offer Nani as part of the deal to bring the £21.8million-rated Argentinian to Old Trafford

RELATED : Man United talks with Arturo Vidal's agent this weekend, £28m bid sees done deal.

Who cares about all that, though – Benfica welcome new players by making them hold a massive eagle…

According to Tutto Mercato Web, the idea of a player-plus-cash deal involving Nani has been mooted with the Red Devils now set to offer £21.7m ($33.7m) to bring the Argentinean to Old Trafford this summer. It is also claimed that Gaitan will sign a five-year deal with the 20-times English champions.

Louis van Gaal is an admirer of the Benfica midfielder after having him watched by scouts earlier in the season, and with the Dutchman keen on strengthening his midfield, the Argentine is high on the list of the manager's priorities during the summer transfer window.

The Portuguese club, who completed a league and cup double this campaign are ready to sell the midfielder as they look to balance their books ahead of next season.

Apart from United, Premier League rivals Liverpool are also said to be interested in the Argentine's services, but it is believed that the Red Devils are leading the race for his signature.

Gaitan, who still has three years remaining on his current deal with Benfica, has been impressive for the club and played a key role in their title triumph providing 15 assists and four goals in 27 league appearances.

Meanwhile, according to Portuguese newspaper O Jogo, the midfielder will depart the club this summer after they signed midfielder Adel Taarabt from Queens Park Rangers on a five-year deal.

The Moroccan international, who spent six seasons at QPR is delighted to joining the Portuguese champions, and will have big boots to fill as the report claims that the midfielder was brought in as a replacement for the Argentine star.

"It is a huge opportunity for me. When my agent told me Benfica were interested, I immediately said: 'Yes, I'm ready to go'," Taarabt said, as quoted by the Guardian.

Van Gaal will apparently pay £22million for the Argentine after offering him a five-year contract, and the move is expected to be confirmed next week.

United have also been keeping tabs on Gaitan's teammate Eduardo Salvio, although Liverpool are said to be keen on the right-sided midfielder.

Last week Gianluca DiMarzio reported United had already agreed a deal with the player. It was claimed that the club were then negotiating a fee with Benfica.

United are in desperate need of strengthening their midfield options with Nani edging closer to a move from Old Trafford to Fernerbahce.