English champions have been keeping Italian giants waiting over Benatia.
Manchester City have been set a July 21 deadline by AS Roma for the Citizens’ pursuit of centre-back Mehdi Benatia, reports the Guardian.
City are reportedly waiting to hear from their prime centre-back target Eliaquim Mangala before moving on to Benatia, but their delay in sealing the deal for the Moroccan is frustrating Roma.
The Italians are keen to get their transfer business sorted before their pre-season begins on July 21 and they want to know if Benatia would still be part of their plans for next season.
The highly rated centre-back could cost the Citizens around £30 million, but manager Manuel Pellegrini wants to see if he can add another £5 million and land Porto’s Mangala, who is four years younger than Benatia.
City would ideally want to sign the 23-year old Frenchman as opposed to Benatia as a foil for their skipper Vincent Kompany next season, as Pellegrini wants to sign players with a long-term future at the Etihad Stadium.
However, the English giants might not get to have it all their way as they could end up not landing either of their preferred centre-back choices if they do not move decisively.
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