Chelsea said to be leading Man Utd and Man City in race for Roma star

Chelsea are favourites to sign Roma defender Mehdi Benatia despite interest from Manchester United and Manchester City, the Express claims.

Bayern Munich are also said to be interested in the Morocco international, who has been touted as a possible replacement for David Luiz at Stamford Bridge.

The Express also reports that Chelsea are favourites with bookmakers to sign France international Antoine Griezmann from Real Sociedad.

Griezmann, 23, is apparently rated at £25m and also wanted by Liverpool.

There continues to be speculation that Chelsea could pip Arsenal to the signing of Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira.

Reports in Spain suggest Blues boss Jose Mourinho telephoned Khedira and urged the Germany star, who played under him at Real, to snub the Gunners and move to west London instead.

Meanwhile, reports in Kenneth Omeruo’s native Nigeria suggest QPR – who are set to sign Rio Ferdinand and are also in talks with Steven Caulker – are interested in taking the centre-back on loan.

Omeruo ended last season on loan at Middlesbrough and the Championship club are keen for him to return to Teesside.

For more transfer speculation, including John Mikel Obi being linked with a move to Italy, see this morning’s Paper Talk.


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