Roma rule out Mehdi Benatia exit

Man City's transfer plans have been dealt a blow with the news that Roma have no plans to sell Moroccan centre back Mehdi Benatia. The defender had been linked with a 50 million euro move to the Etihad Stadium.

One of Manuel Pellegrini's main objectives in this transfer window was to find a new centre back to add to his squad to replace Martin Demichelis. It is understood that Benatia happened to be one of the Chilean's top targets and an offer had been made to Serie A giants Roma. Despite that bid, the Romans rejected all approaches from City and told Benatia that he would be staying at the club.

Yesterday, after a renewed bid from City for Benatia, Roma responded to the Premier League champions telling them that their star centre back would not be allowed to leave for any price.

There is also a report from Italy this morning that suggests Benatia will soon put pen to paper on a brand new contract with the Serie A side, extending his stay at the club for a further three years.