Roma defender Benatia is ready to listen to offers this summer

Roma defender Benatia is ready to listen to offers this summer

Published May. 23, 2014 9:43 a.m. ET

Manchester City target and Roma defender Mehdi Benatia is ready to listen to offers this summer as he weighs up his future.

Benatia is under contract with the Serie A outfit for a further four seasons, but the Morocco international has not ruled out a possible move away from Rome this summer, after the Italian club reportedly turned down his request for a pay rise.

"I had spoken to the club executives regarding an improved contract but they weren't interested and I don't think it will be successful," Benatia said as reported in Gazzetta dello Sport.

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"The offers? My agent is dealing with those but we are talking about it and we will know a little bit more in the near future."

The 27-year-old, who is currently on international duty, joined Roma last summer from Udinese in a 13.5million euros deal and scored five goals in 33 league appearances to help the Giallorossi finish runners-up in Italy's top flight.

European giants Bayern Munich and Barcelona have reportedly joined City in the race to acquire the defender.

"I'm happy at Roma but at 27 I need to reflect regarding the big offers of clubs that any player dreams of: Barcelona, Bayern, Manchester City," Benatia said.

Earlier this week, Roma coach Rudi Garcia ruled out the possibility that Benatia could leave the Eternal City outfit this summer.

"Benatia has four years left on his contract and no release clause," Garcia said to L'Equipe. "He will remain with us next term.

"It's logical that clubs are interested in him, looking at the season he had."

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