[BlueLion]

Man City Eye Ben-Haim

Manchester City are reportedly set to sign Chelsea defender Tal Ben Haim as manager Mark Hughes continues to build his new team at Eastlands.

Ben Haim, 26, joined Chelsea from Bolton Wanderers in June 2007 as back up to John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho. Despite featuring prominently at the start of his Chelsea career the Israeli slipped down the pecking order after the arrival of Brazilian Alex.

With Terry and Carvalho back to full fitness after missing early parts of the season, Ben Haim found his chances at Stamford Bridge severely limited and the centre back made only two league starts for Chelsea in 2008, prompting him to look elsewhere for first team football.

Reports in some part of the press have also suggested that the defender fell out with former manager Avram Grant and despite his compatriot having left the club it appears Ben Haim will now follow.

Manchester City are reportedly willing to offer Chelsea £5 million for the Israeli international, who joined Chelsea on a free transfer, as they look to bolster their defensive options.

Should he sign for City, Ben Haim may partner Richard Dunne in the heart of the City defence after the captain signed a new deal with the club this summer, despite speculation linking him with a move away from Manchester.

Mark Hughes is enjoying a busy summer in the transfer market since replacing Sven Goran Eriksson as City boss. He has already signed Brazilian Jo from CSKA Moscow as he looks to build on City's ninth place league finish last season.

Goal.com - Chelsea - Man City Eye Chelsea Defender

I think we should let him go.