Blues to ramp up interest in Roma star.
Chelsea are set to go head-to-head with Manchester United for the signature of Roma’s superstar centre-back Mehdi Benatia, according to the Metro.
The Moroccan international had been linked with the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City earlier in the summer is now said to be a major target of both United and Chelsea as the transfer window begins to enter its final stages.
But with Louis van Gaal reportedly ready to make a £30m move for the defender, Italian newspaper Gazzetta Dello Sport are claiming Chelsea could yet look to pip United to his signature.
Van Gaal is still searching for suitable replacements for recently departed veteran pair Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, though he is also said to be keen on making a swoop for Ajax star Daley Blind, who he managed during the World Cup.
However, Chelsea are also searching for a replacement for David Luiz, who left to join Paris Saint Germain in June.
Team-mates Francesco Totti, Daniele De Rossi and Miralem Pjanic have all pleaded with the defender to remain with Roma this summer, but he has hinted that he will seek a move should the club not approach him with a new contract offer.
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