Manchester City believe they are close to signing Roma defender Mehdi Benatia in a £30 million move.
The defender has been watched by City for some time but it was thought that the spending sanctions imposed on them as part of Uefa’s Financial Fair Play rules had scuppered the bid.
City would not comment, but Italian newspapers are now reporting that the player has agreed personal terms with City
The 27-year-old who is regarded as one of the world’s top defenders has also been watched by Manchester United, Chelsea and Bayern Munich. He is seen by City as a perfect partner for Vincent Kompany.