Report: Barcelona want Mehdi Benatia

Barcelona have reportedly made Roma defender Mehdi Benatia their number one transfer target when the summer window opens.

The Spanish champions will be in the market for a new centre-back at the end of the season, with long-serving captain Carles Puyol due to depart on a free transfer.

According to Mundo Deportivo, officials at Barcelona have identified Benatia, who captains Morocco, as the player to improve their back four.

Roma are believed to value their defender in the region of £18m.