Manchester United had to include Fabio da Silva in their offer to Benfica to clinch a deal for Nicolas Gaitan, it has been revealed.

The Telegraph says United have agreed a deal to sign the Benfica midfielder Gaitán with both Fabio and Federico Macheda moving to the Portuguese club as part of the terms.

It had been thought that United might try to include Bebe as well as Macheda but the choice of Fabio has helped persuade Benfica to conclude negotiations. Gaitan is understood to be represented by the Portuguese agent Jorge Mendes who has close links with United having taken the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani to the club.