Man City agree £35 million fee for Mehdi Benatia

Manchester City and Roma have agreed a £35 million fee to sign Morocco international centre back Mehdi Benatia. Manuel Pellegrini wants to sign Benatia as part of a new look defence for the 2014-15 season.

Roma had reportedly told Man City that Benatia would be staying at the club unless a replacement centre back could be found. This afternoon, Roma have announced that a deal for Marko Basa has been agreed and therefore a transfer for Benatia is likely to be wrapped up before the end of the week.

The 27-year-old centre back has consistently been one of Roma's best performing players last season and in 30 appearances for the club the 6 foot 4 Moroccan scored five goals and finished the year as joint top scorer.

The arrival of Benatia is likely to fill the gap left from the departure of Joleon Lescott and also means that Martin Demichelis' future at the Etihad Stadium is increasingly uncertain.