Manchester United, Chelsea & Liverpool alerted as Mehdi Benatia admits he could leave Roma

Mehdi Benatia: Arguably one of the top centre-backs in the world currently

Roma defender Mehdi Benatia has admitted that he may have to leave the club in order to fulfil his dreams of playing at the highest level.

The rumoured Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea target told reporters that, while he is happy at Roma, he may have to move on for the sake of his career.

He also revealed that he has attempted to secure an improved contract, but that Roma are not keen on giving him one.

“I had spoken to the club executives regarding an improved contract but they weren’t interested and I don’t think it will be successful,” Manchester United target Benatia said of a new Roma deal.

“The offers? My agent is dealing with those but we are talking about it and we will know a little bit more in the near future.

“I’m happy at Roma but at 27 I need to reflect regarding the big offers of clubs that any player dreams of: Barcelona, Bayern, Manchester City.”

However, while Benatia is keen on a new deal he does have four years to run on his current deal, making his bargaining position more difficult. With Roma under no pressure to sell him, boss Rudi Garcia earlier this week told L’Equipe that he expects Benatia to be at the club next season.

“Benatia has four years left on his contract and no release clause. He will remain with us next term.

“It’s logical that clubs are interested in him, looking at the season he had.”