One of Serie A’s top performers in recent years is being targeted by two Premier League sides looking to make up ground on the top four monopoly.
The Blues boss is also reportedly interested in Inter Milan midfielder Dejan Stankovic and a deal for both could cost as much as £14m.
Israel international Benayoun is determined to stay and fight for his place at Anfield, but Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is keen to cash in on the player he only signed from West Ham last year.
Stankovic is another option, after being told he is surplus to requirements at Inter by new boss Jose Mourinho.
Stankovic, who is also interesting Everton, would cost in the region of £8m while Benayoun would be available for £6m. (Manchester Evening News)
Both Man City and Everton will be hoping to edge that little bit closer to the top four big boys and a signing such as Dejan Stankovic is the kind of player that can greatly help that dream. With Mark Hughes on board City can move forward following the somewhat mystifying sacking of Sven and with a supposed mountain of cash to invest in players the future does look brighter than it did when that eighth goal went in at the Riverside in May. Everton will also hope to convince players that a move to Goodison Park is a viable one for those looking for a fresh challenge and of course the Toffees have European football to offer the Serbian who is also greatly interesting Juventus. So City and Everton fans, what do you think the chances are of such a dream signing becoming a reality?