Free-spending Anzhi chasing Liverpool and Man United target

Liverpool and Manchester United will have to move fast if they want to sign Benfica midfielder Nicolas Gaitan after Russian club Anzhi emerged as the strong favourites to clinch his signature.

Gaitan has been attracting interest from a number of top European clubs following his impressive displays for Benfica.

The Argentine international has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League with both Liverpool and United keeping a close eye on his progress.

But reports in the Russian media claim Anzhi are now stepping up their efforts to sign the 24-year-old and would be ready to pay over £20m for his signature.

Benfica are determined to keep their star midfielder at the club but will not stand in his way if a sizeable offer is made when the transfer window re-opens in January.

Gaitan's agent Jose Ibarren said: "I do not rule out the possibility of him leaving Benfica if there is a big offer."