Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson plans to launch a bid for Benfica winger Nicolas Gaitan.

The People says Ferguson has made Gaitan his No.1 target.

The Argentina star has catapulted himself on to Manchester United's wish list after a series of dazzling displays for Benfica.

Fergie had his spies on alert even before the Euro clash, but United are not alone in their interest in the playmaker with Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan and Real Madrid all keeping tabs.

And with United's interest in Wesley Sneijder now dormant, it seems Gaitan has become the priority, with a bid of around £25m expected in January.