Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal are poised to compete for the signature of Benfica midfielder Nicolas Gaitan in the January transfer window, according to a report.

All three Premier League teams have been keeping tabs on the 27-year-old over the course of the season, watching his exploits in the Primeira Liga and the Champions League for Rui Vitoria's men.

City have emerged as the favourites to land the signing of the Argentine for a fee in the region of £24m, but United and the Gunners are hopeful of persuading the midfielder to accept their respective offers ahead of their rivals, reports The People.

Gaitan has scored four goals in 12 appearances for the Portuguese club this season.