Manchester United are intensifying their interest in Benfica defender Ezequiel Garay.

The Daily Mail says United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has identified the Argentina centre half as a possible new signing as he looks for long-term replacements for Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.

United had scouted Garay at games against Sporting Lisbon and Olhanense this season and it is understood that a United representative was back again at the weekend as Benfica drew 2-2 with Porto at the weekend.

Benfica are currently three points clear at the top of the Portuguese Liga but are under financial pressure to sell the 26-year-old this summer as they can' t afford to continue paying his wages.

Garay's former club Real Madrid are entitled to half of whatever fee he is eventually sold for. He has eleven caps for his country.