Sir Alex Ferguson has reportedly sent scouts to compile a report on Benfica defender Ezequiel Garay.

Long-term fitness concerns continue to surround Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, prompting Ferguson to look for new additions, according to the Daily Mail.

Garay is a reported target for United and a club scout watched the defender play in Benfica's 2-2 draw with Porto at the weekend.

If the Premier League leaders are to move for the 26-year-old, he is expected to cost them around £15m.

Garay has represented Argentina on 11 occasions.