Cape Town - Louis van Gaal's hopes of bringing Benfica midfielder, Enzo Perez, to Old Trafford has received a major boost.
La Liga side Valencia have reportedly ended their interest in the star player after being told his signature would cost £25 million.
The 28-year-old, who has earned 15 caps for Argentina national side, has been in sensational form for the Portuguese league leaders this season and has reportedly been admired by van Gaal for some time, according to talkSPORT.
United who are on a five match winning streak in the English Premiership after a tumultuous start to their 2014/15 campaign are keen to bring the central midfielder to Old Trafford.
Perez would joing a host international stars purchased in the summer with the likes of Angel Di Maria, Daley Blind and Marcos Rojo all having arrived at the "Theatre of Dreams" after the World Cup in Brazil.
Van Gaal was initially interested in bringing Roma's injury-prone Kevin Strootman to the club but with Valencia pulling out of the transfer race for Perez it looks like the Dutchman will be able to land Benfica star in January.
Perez would become the third Argentina star to join the 20-time league champions if the deal moves ahead.