Manchester City has opened talks with Benfica over the availability of winger Angel Di Maria. The left-sided Argentina international is seen as a direct replacement for Robinho, who has been assiduously courted by Barcelona and is eager to return to Spanish football.

Di Maria is valued by the club at more than £27m.  The player has established himself in Argentina’s World Cup squad, having scored a winning goal in the final of the 2008 Olympic tournament.

Di Maria arrived at Benfica during the 2007/8 season for 8 million Euros.  So far his scoring record has been limited, only netting 4 goals since his arrival 2 years ago. This season Di Maria’s best game has been against Everton FC in the Europa League where he was credited with 3 assists and was the best player on the pitch in a 5-0 victory.