The Moroccan international has been at the heart of much transfer speculation this summer, with strong links to Chelsea and Manchester United.
However all the rumours may be put to end with the news that Roma has given all interested clubs until Sunday to make a move for the defender.
Rui Garcia is said to want a full week for Benatia to prepare himself mentally for Roma’s opener against Fiorentina, but a £30m pricetag may be a significant issue for the two English giants.
Louis van Gaal may be the more willing man to sign Benatia after he suffered an opening day defeat at home to Swansea.
His centre-back trio of Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Tyler Blackett were proven to be underwhelming as they came up against a fairly standard Premier League attack.
By Phil Wellbrook
