Udinese's Moroccan central defender Mehdi Benatia has said it 'is a dream come true' to be linked with a move to Manchester United.
The 24-year-old uncompromising stopper has spoken out following recent speculation that Red Devils chief Sir Alex Ferguson is keeping tabs on him with a view to a potential swoop in the summer transfer window.
Benatia, who was snapped up by Udinese from French Second Division side Clermont two years ago, is now valued at just under £10million by the Italian Serie A outfit where he is under contract for another three years.
However, having faced the disappointment of being rejected by Marseille earlier in his career, the player is desperately hoping that United follow up their interest and make a firm offer for his signature at the end of the season.
Benatia, who was also linked to Chelsea in the January transfer window before they signed Gary Cahill, told The Sun: "To be linked with Manchester United is a dream come true.
"They are the biggest club in the world, and to have an opportunity to play at Old Trafford would be amazing, believe me.
"But I have a contract with Udinese, and they have to be happy before I can move."