Mehdi Benatia rules out Man Utd switch

Manchester United's desperate efforts to sign a central defender before the start of the upcoming campaign have been dealt yet another blow after AS Roma defender Mehdi Benatia ruled out a move to England.

The Moroccan international centre back is very highly rated and has been tracked by the likes of Chelsea and Real Madrid in recent months.

However, Man Utd's hopes to secure a deal for the Roma man will hit a brick wall after the defender told the Italian media that he wants to stay at the San Siro for the time being.

The 27-year-old still has three years remaining on his current deal at the Serie A club.