Gaitan happy at Benfica

Argentine winger Nicolas Gaitan has no intention of leaving Benfica, according to the player’s representative.

Gaitan, 24, is widely tipped to leave the Eagles for greener pastures at the end of the season, and has seen his name linked with Manchester United, Liverpool and Anzhi.

His poor form has seen him lose his place in the starting line-up, which added fuel to speculations linking the player with a summer exit.

However, Gaitan’s representative has rubbished the claims that his client is on the way out of the club.

“He is very happy at Benfica,” agent Jose Ibarren told Portuguese TV station Antena 1.

“Gaitan is a football player and has to respect the decisions of the coach. At the moment he is not playing, but that is football.”

Ibarren categorically denied there has been any contact with Russian Premier League side Anzhi Makhachkala.

“Nobody contacted me. I am not aware of anything.”

Nico Gaitan has largely impressed since arriving at Estadio da Luz from Boca Juniors, but has mostly been restricted to substitute appearances this season.

The talented forward started just one Primeira Liga game this season, while making two Champions League starts.