Chase for Benatia hots up

Cape Town - One of the most sought after defenders in Europe may be available after Roma dip into the transfer market for a replacement.

Mehdi Benatia may be sold in the transfer window according to the Express.

A long term target of Manchester City, Roma's commanding centre back may be let go after the reports suggest that the Serie A club are on the brink of signing a replacement centre back.
 
Real Madrid are now the firm favourites to sign the Moroccan defender with Manchester City set to conclude a £32 million deal for Porto's Eliaquim Mangala.

With Manchester United set to fail in a bid to bring Mats Hummels to Old Trafford, the English giants could enter the race for Benatia.

Benatia will eligible for Champions League football and this could determine his next move with United unable to offer the player such football.

Chelsea were also interested in the player and could yet move for the Roma player but the London club have already purchased Kurt Zouma in the same position.

Benatia still has four years left on his deal with the Romans and thus any move for the player would cost around £30 million.