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Roma's Moroccan international centre back Mehdi Benatia is a surprise target for Manchester United. According to reports from Italy, Man Utd's club scouts were spotted at the Olympic Stadium and they were reportedly monitoring the former Udinese defender Benatia.
The centre back only recently joined Roma from Udinese back in July, but it appears that yet another transfer could be on the horizon as Manchester United have stepped up their interest in the defender who could be a long term replacement for Rio Ferdinand at Old Trafford. David Moyes has made no secret of his intention to sign a new central defender in the coming six months and the form of Benatia has caught the eye.<br />
Since arriving at Roma, the defender has been an important member of the first team and the club's title charge, with the centre back already scoring two league goals in 10 games.<br />
United have reportedly set aside a 18 million Euro budget to complete a deal for Benatia next summer.
Written by James Turnbull
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