Chelsea & Man Utd Preparing January Bids For £15m Serie A Stopper

Premiership rivals Chelsea and Manchester United are set to go head-to-head for Udinese centre back Medhi Benatia, according to reports.

Chelsea have been tracking the highly-rated Moroccan for some time now and Andre Villas-Boas is preparing to make his move in the January transfer window. The Blues boss is desperate to add to his defensive options following the questionable form of David Luiz and Alex, and even the usually dependable John Terry has shown signs of being vulnerable this season.

However, Chelsea’s bid to sign Benatia has come under threat as recent reports have linked Man Utd with a move as well. Sir Alex Ferguson has grown increasingly worried by the form of 33-year-old Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic has struggled with injuries of late, which has forced Fergie to consider his options at the back.

24-year-old Benatia has been impressive in recent seasons for Udinese at the heart of their defence and this form has alerted clubs throughout Europe including fellow Serie A club Juventus. However, it’s Chelsea and Man Utd who are heading the queue for his signature, but the Italians will demand a fee in excess of £15m for their man.