Man Utd make formal offer for Roma star

Manchester United are understood to have made an initial offer of around £24m for Roma defender Mehdi Benatia, according to a report.

The Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal is well aware of the club's defensive frailties this season, and is keen on signing a top-class central defender before the transfer window draws to a close at the start of next month.

According to The Express, Roma sporting director Walter Sabatini is understood to have flown to London yesterday in order to seal a deal with Chelsea for the Moroccan international.

The report adds that United representatives had also had talks with Sabatini, and have tabled a bid in the region of £24m to ward off interest from Benatia's suitors.