Nicolas Gaitan: 10 Things You Didn't Know About the Manchester United Target

According to recent reports, Manchester United are set to seal a deal to sign Argentina international Nicolas Gaitan from Portuguese powerhouse Benfica.

A previously unknown quantity outside of Argentina and Portugal, Gaitan has performed sensationally in the two games against Manchester United in the Champions League. The Argentinian would be seen as a fantastic investment for the Old Trafford club, tying in with Sir Alex's transfer policy.

Here are 10 things you did not know about the attacking midfielder.

1. Osvaldo Fabian Nicolas Gaitan was born on the 23rd of February 1988 in San Martin, Argentina.

2. Born to an extremely poor family, Gaitan divided his young life between playing football and selling potted plants to commuters on trains to help support his parents.

3. The skillful Argentinian made his debut for Boca Juniors in 2008. Then, after coming off the bench to score twice weeks later, he became a regular starter for the Buenos Aires outfit.

4. Before he switched across the Atlantic to Portugal, Gaitan received offers from Spain and Holland in the form of bids from Almeria and Ajax.

5. He eventually signed for the Lisbon club Benfica for £7 million in 2010.

6. His arrival coincided with the departure of Angel Di Maria to Real Madrid. He has been a tidy replacement for his compatriot.

7. Although he is a left-footer like Di Maria, they are completely opposite players. Di Maria is a more traditional type winger. Gaitan plays more like a Pablo Aimar. He is a playmaker and can play on either wing or up the middle.  

8. The Buenos Aires native made his debut for Argentina in 2009 against Ghana in a friendly. His first was start up against Costa Rico in 2010.

9. Gaitan is represented by the same agency, ProSoccer24, as Jose Antonio Reyes and Vincente Del Bosque.

10. If he is to sign for United, he will be close to breaking the Manchester United transfer record.