Manchester United are the new front runners to land wantaway Roma defender Mehdi Benatia, according to fresh reports in the Italian media.
La Gazzetta dello Sport claims the Red Devils have opened a dialogue and are ready to capitalise on the decision made by rivals City to abandon the pursuit of the 27-year-old.
The Blues are still confident of signing centre-half Eliaquim Mangala from Porto, and always viewed Benatia as a back-up option.
United intend to significantly strengthen the heart of their backline after losing veteran duo Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic during the summer, and they are prepared to splash out £32m on the unsettled Roma star.
He is said to be determined to leave the Italian capital following a disagreement about the terms of his contract, with his representatives feeling the club went back on several promises made last term.
Roma are reportedly resigned to the fact that Benatia will not put pen to paper on a fresh contract extension and they have already started the process of drawing up a list of potential replacements.
United have experimented with a three-man central defence in pre-season under new manager Louis van Gaal, with Jonny Evans, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling the most senior trio left to fill those positions.