Chelsea Eyeing Double Move for Mehdi Benatia and Loic Remy

Chelsea are reportedly in pole position to land Manchester United target Mehdi Benatia from Serie A club AS Roma.

According to the Express, the Blues have moved ahead of United in the race for the Moroccan defender, and are willing to match Roma's £30m valuation for the player.

Even though Jose Mourinho has categorically denied any interest in the player, reports claim that Chelsea have opened talks with the Serie A club over the transfer.

The Blues boss later revealed that Chelsea are still open to making signings during this summer transfer window after earlier stating that the Stamford Bridge outfit had concluded their business in the transfer market.

"The market is open, and experience has told us all that we can never say what is going to happen," Mourinho said, as quoted in the Express.

It is believed that Roma director of football Walter Sabatini is in London to hold talks regarding the transfer of the Morrocan international to Chelsea.

Manchester United were said to be leading the race to land Benatia, but now it looks like Premier League rivals Chelsea are set to usurp them to the signing of the defender.

Apart from the defender, the report claims that the Blues are eyeing a move for Liverpool and Tottenham target Loic Remy, who is still with Queens Park Rangers after failing to complete his move to Anfield earlier in the summer.

The west London club, who signed Diego Costa and brought back club legend Didier Drogba are said to be monitoring the French striker after the Ivory Coast striker got injured during their final pre-season game.

QPR are said to be open to letting the striker leave if any club meets the £8.5m release-clause in his contract.