by Mark Bassey

According to reports, Mehdi Benatia has snubbed a move to Chelsea and will instead be joining Manchester United.

The Algerian defender was heavily linked with the Blues this week, but it seems Louis van Gaal has nipped ahead of Jose Mourinho in the race to him from Roma.

“Hearing that highly-rated centre-back Mehdi Benatia on his way from AS Roma to Manchester United,” Skysports’ Jim White tweeted on Saturday evening.

Van Gaal lost his first competitive match in charge of the Red Devils – a 2-1 home defeat to Swansea.

ifreke

Ifreke Inyang is a public commentator and social media critic who has worked with a number of high profile publications across the country.