Manchester United have opened talks with Benfica for Argentine centre-back Ezequiel Garay, according to reports.
Sir Alex Ferguson has long been rumoured to admire the 26-year-old, who has won 11 caps for his country.
Garay was linked with a move to Chelsea earlier this week and The Mirror report that this has prompted the Red Devils to take action.
The price being quoted is around £15m for the man seen as Rio Ferdinand's long-term replacement at Old Trafford.