Udinese defender Mehdi Benatia could snub the advances of Manchester United to move to wealthy Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala, talkSPORT reports. United are looking into the possibility of signing the 24 year old, but will have to hope Anzhi do not make a move before the end of their transfer window.
With the English transfer window closed for business, Anzhi have the chance until 24th February to sign the Udinese centre-back as their window is still open. Benatia has been superb for the Serie A outfit so far this season and has been strongly linked with a switch to the Premier League champions. United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is keen to strengthen his defence after Nemanja Vidic suffered a season-ending injury and Rio Ferdinand has struggled for fitness in the last few seasons.
Ferguson will renew his interest in the Moroccan international this summer and is confident that he can attract the 24 year old to Old Trafford. However, Anzhi are negotiating an offer at the moment for Benatia and will offer Udinese £15m for his signature. The Italian side are prepared to accept that sort of deal, but it is unknown whether the defender will want to move to Russia.
If United cannot secure a deal for Benatia, they will look to Dortmund defender Neven Subotic. The 23 year old Serbian has been one of Europe’s top defenders in the last two seasons and has attracted all sorts of interest, but United are said to be the front runners. Subotic’s international compatriot Vidic has spoken with Sir Alex Ferguson and told him to make a move for Subotic, which United are weighing up the option of doing.
See what the expert tipsters at OLBG are tipping on Man Utd v Liverpool
