United target Serie A star as 'Ferdinand replacement' - reports

Udinese defender Mehdi Benatia says he is expecting to leave the club at the end of the season.

The 24-year-old, highly thought of throughout Europe, has been linked with a moves to PSG and PSV Eindhoven.

However, with Manchester United also interested, Benatia's revelation could spark a bid from the Premier League champions.

"I have signed a deal with Udinese but I think I will leave at the end of the season," he said.

"Now there are rumours about PSG. This would be interesting for me because it is a club with big ambitions and a huge project.

"But I don't think I will leave in January because the president does not want to sell until the end of the season."

United are reportedly in the market for a defender to replace the 32-year-old Rio Ferdinand, who is in the twilight of his career at Old Trafford.

United did bring in Phil Jones earlier this summer as defensive cover and his performances, along with those of Chris Smalling have helped displace Ferdinand as first choice at the club.