Italian website TMW have cited Rome based newspaper Il Messaggero claiming that €40m rated Chelsea target Mehdi Benatia could leave the club as the Wolves are closing in on Olympiacos defender Konstantinos Manolas.
It is believed that Manolas, accompanied by his agent Mino Raiola, and the vice president of Olympiakos has landed in Rome to finalize his move to the Giallorossi.
Chelsea and Manchester City have long been interested in the Moroccan defender over the summer but with the latter almost set to sign Frenchman Eliaquim Mangala from Porto, Chelsea might find themselves in the clear to sign the 27 year old. The Blues however had enquired on Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane this week as reported by Spanish website AS.
Forza Roma however have added a fresh twist claiming that Manchester United are also interested in Benatia and given that the Red Devils have a size able transfer kitty, will not be deterred by Roma’s hefty price tag on the player.
Bayern Munich were also interested in the defender but their bid was rejected earlier in the summer while Barcelona’s pursuit has died down over the past few week.
Earlier Roma midfielder Miralem Pjanic said that he hopes Benatia would stay with the club for teh next season.
“I do not know what problems there are between him and the club. But I know that his intention has always been the same as mine – to remain. He has invested a lot in his career at Roma. And the group knows him well, the team is with him. There is no reason not to continue together.”
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