AC Milan lead race for Manchester United and Arsenal target

Manchester United and Arsenal will have to move fast if they want to sign Udinese defender Mehdi Benatia after reports in Italy claimed AC Milan are in pole position to sign him.

Benatia is rated one of the best defenders in Serie A and has been attracting strong interest from both Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger.

The Premier League duo are keen to strengthen their back four next season and were hoping to make their move for the Morocco international during the summer.

But reports in Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport claim Milan have already started negotiations with Udinese and are hoping to conclude a deal for the 26-year-old.

Udinese will be looking for at least £15m for their star defender who looks certain to leave the club at the end of the season.