Juventus close on Mehdi Benatia

Italian champions Juventus are stepping up their efforts to sign Moroccan defender Mehdi Benatia from Bayern Munich, according to Tuttosport.

Head coach Max Allegri wants to add some fresh blood to his ageing back line and it appears that the Bavarians stopper is high on his wish list.

Juventus plan to try and sign Benatia on loan with an option to buy, and the latest reports suggest Bayern may be interested in such an arrangement.

Namely, the Bavarians have yet to turn Kingsley Coman’s loan deal into permanent move and rather than paying the transfer fee in full, they could send the Moroccan in the opposite direction.

Juventus officials have been in talks with Benatia’s representatives, but the final decision will be made by new Bayern coach Carlo Ancelotti.

The 29-year-old has plenty of Serie A experience, having performed at a very high level while at Udinese and AS Roma.