Dejan Lovren is a target for Roma[GETTY]Roma are less and less optimistic that they can hold onto Benatia, despite the fact that the 27-year-old has four years remaining on his current deal.
Benatia is keen to renegotiate terms and has reportedly asked Roma to extend his contract until 2019 and double his wages.
The Serie A club are in no position to meet that demand, with manager Rudi Garcia revealing last week that he didn't want to see any of his players leave but also admit that Roma could not add to their current wage bill.
And that could see Arsenal, United and City joining Barcelona in a race to sign the £32m-rated player.
Mehdi Benatia wants a pay rise [GETTY]Roma want Dejan Lovren if Mehdi Benatia leaves
Even if Benatia's suitors are successful in negotiating that figure down somewhat, Southampton would find it difficult to resist a big offer for Lovren.
Whilst the defender has previously denied that he will leave the south coast club this summer amidst interest from Liverpool, the Saints could cash in on the former Lyon man, who cost them £8m last summer.
The news will come as a further blow to Saints fans who are poised to see Mauricio Pochettino take over at Spurs and could also lose young stars Adam Lallana and Luke Shaw to Premier League rivals before the start of next season.
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