Saturday, 9th August, 2014



Chelsea are rekindling their interest in Roma centre-back Mehdi Benatia, something which could put them on a collision course with Premier League rivals Manchester United.

Jose Mourinho's Chelsea had looked towards Benatia earlier this summer, but the track went cold. Now however, according to Italian daily Gazzetta dello Sport, they are again showing interest in the Roma star.



Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal is now firmly in the race for the 27-year-old, due to his desire to sign at least one new centre-back this summer.

Roma had thought they were over the line in terms of keeping the powerful defender, who had expressed his unhappiness earlier this summer over the inadequacies of his contract.

 


Benatia declared his intention to stay with Roma before their tour of the United States however. The jury is now again out though with Chelsea and Manchester United at the door.

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Benatia was a key man for Roma last term as they booked a second place finish in Serie A and secured a return to the Champions League in the process.

The Giallorossi are thought to be looking for a minimum of €35m to consider a sale.

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