Chelsea aim to seal Mehdi Benatia deal this week?

Chelsea are reportedly hopeful of beating their rivals to the signature of Roma defender Mehdi Benatia this week.

The Blues have been linked with the 27-year-old in recent weeks, but Manchester United are also said to be tracking the player as they aim to improve their defence.

According to the Daily Star, despite interest from the Red Devils, Chelsea will try to wrap up the deal with Roma ahead of their opening Premier League match against Burnley on Monday.

Reports emerged yesterday claiming that the Italian club have placed a £50m price tag on Benatia.

Chelsea, who have added Diego Costa, Cesc Fabregas and Filipe Luis to their ranks, are yet to replace defender David Luiz, who has signed for Paris Saint-Germain in a reported £50m deal.