Roma defender Mehdi Benatia has been linked with a move away from the Italian giants and it’s not just Premier League Manchester United who are in favour of signing him as Barcelona are also rumoured to have their eye on the Moroccan international.
The 26 year-old defender joined Roma last year on 13th July for €13.5m and a five year contract after notching up 72 appearances for Udinese, where he greatly impressed. The tall player (6ft 31?2 in) is now being linked with a move away again this summer.
Manchester United are believed to be the main contenders for his signature as they seek out a replacement for long-serving Serbian centre-back, Nemanja Vidic.
The 32 year-old United captain has confirmed that he will be leaving The Red Devils when his contract expires at the end of the season with Inter Milan keeping a close eye on him.
However, one of Gerardo Martino’s top priorities is to reinforce the Barcelona defense ahead of next season and the club has a long list of possible profiles.
Mehdi Benatia is the latest player to catch the eye of the Catalan giants, and a Red Devils’ source confirmed the “Azulgrana” club could put a spanner in the works of United’s pursuit of the Roma defender.
A Manchester United club source admitted: “It would be great to get Benatia, but Barcelona are also interested and will likely have the edge if we don’t qualify for the Champions League.”