Confirmed: Louis van Gaal rocked as long-term Man Utd target signs new deal

Nicolas Gaitan has signed a new four-and-a-half-year deal at Benfica

MANCHESTER UNITED have been dealt a huge blow in their pursuit of Benfica winger Nicolas Gaitan.

 

The 27-year-old winger has today put pen to paper on a new deal with the Portuguese giants, which will keep him at the club until the summer of 2019.

United boss Louis van Gaal has made no secret of his desire to sign a creative winger in January and was expected to make a move for Gaitan.

 

But a club statement read: "Nicolas Gaitan has prolonged his contract with Benfica until June 2019, having now a minimum fee release clause of €45million (£32.5m)."

In an interview with BTV, the Argentina international said on the deal: "This renewal is fantastic.

 



Louis van Gaal was linked with a January move for Nicolas Gaitan



"It's a vote of confidence from the club and I'm delighted. Reaching an agreement was easy and quick. Both parties are happy."

He also took to Facebook, adding: "Thank you very much to all the people of Benfica for your trust and value in my work. Today I am very happy to renew ties with the club."