Saturday, 24th May, 2014



Chelsea could turn to Roma centre-back Mehdi Benatia to replace David Luiz this summer.

Luiz is being sold to Paris Saint-Germain for a fee of around £40m, as boss Jose Mourinho has decided he can make do without the Brazil international in the heart of the Blues defence.




Now all eyes are on Mourinho's next move, as the Chelsea boss sizes up a replacement for the former Benfica man.

According to French sports daily L'Equipe, the Portuguese's eyes are focusing on Italy and Roma's impressive defender Benatia.

relatedNewsStory

That could put Chelsea on a collision course with Manchester United, who have long been linked with the centre-back and need to replace the departing Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand, while Manchester City have also been credited with an interest in the player.

Roma have been eyeing offering Benatia a new improved contract to see off his many suitors, but it remains to be seen if they can keep the defender given the increasing interest surrounding him.

Don't bet on football until you've visited Inside Bet! Interesting markets, top tips, betting facts – get all the info before you bet.