One newspaper has claimed Nicolas Gaitan is on his way to Old Trafford this summer while another vehemently disagrees. Who should the fans believe?
In England fans are well used to seeing conflicting reports in tabloid newspapers, with the Mirror, Mail and Sun often tying each other in logistical knots.
The broadsheets on the other hand are generally seen as a more reliable source of information, so the current state of affairs concerning Benfica winger Nicolas Gaitan has left many a football fan perplexed over what to believe.
The Telegraph reported yesterday that the Gaitan to Manchester United deal is practically signed, sealed and delivered.
They claim that United have agreed to loan the Portuguese side left-back Fabio da Silva and also include Federico Macheda as part of the package.
There was another story up on the Telegraph’s website yesterday entitled ‘What Gaitan will bring to United’ analysing the Argentine’s style of play.
Is there any truth in it? That’s what fans want to know.
The Telegraph, to be fair, have been banging the Gaitan to United drum since December, claiming a summer deal has long been agreed.
However it has been dismissed by The Times newspaper who are adamant there is no deal in place.
Times football journalist James Ducker posted on Twitter yesterday: “For those asking (re) Gaitan, I’ll stress again, is NOT going to Manchester United.”
Days earlier he posted, “Ignore the talk about United agreeing a deal with Benfica for Gaitan. It’s utter horses**t #mufc. City not interested either #mcfc.”
So is the Times correct or the Telegraph?
The latest reports appear to have stemmed from the Portuguese press, and for those interested, it may be interesting to note that Gaitan’s agent is Jorge Mendes.
Mendes is the agent of Cristiano Ronaldo, and proved himself the ultimate salesman when he helped United ‘secure’ a deal for Bebe.
Gaitan’s talent probably falls somewhere in between the two, and fans remain more puzzled than ever whether a deal is on or off.
Mendes’ involvement further clouds the situation, making it both more likely and less likely at the same time.
Right now our advice is don’t believe anything, as always, until you see the player pitch up at his new club wearing the shirt and waving a scarf.
Even if the deal is ‘on’ that won’t happen until the summer.
So fans should simply sit tight and wait and see. Whatever happens, either the Times or the Telegraph will be left looking silly, which one- is too early to say.
image: © Crystian Cruz
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