Moroccan Star Rejects United Switch In Favour Of Lucrative Move To Middle East

Juventus defender Mehdi Benatia has rejected a move to Manchester United, according to reports in Italy.

The Moroccan international has struggled for game time this season and has been given permission to leave the Serie A club during the January transfer window.

In need of strengthening in the centre of defence, United reportedly made an £8.6m offer for Benatia which Juve promptly accepted.

However, it appears the 31-year-old was not happy with the personal terms offered by the Red Devils. He wanted in excess of €4m a year (£3.45m) but was only offered €3.7m (£3.2m).

Instead, Benatia will be off to Qatar to play for Al-Duhail. The centre-back will reportedly arrive in the country on Monday for a medical before finalising his move away from Juve.

Arsenal were also believed to be interested in the Moroccan but it seems he could not turn down a lucrative move to the Middle East as he nears the end of his career.