Report: Manchester United Linked With Cut-Price Real Madrid Striker Karim Benzema
Sunday, February 14, 2010 @ 7:38 PM
Manchester United are reportedly favourites to sign Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema in a cut-price deal, according to the News of the World.
Manager Sir Alex Ferguson has already admitted he was interested in signing Benzema from Lyon in the summer, but was unwilling to match the £30 million asking price that Real eventually shelled out to capture the 22-year-old.
However, the tabloid claims that the French international has failed to impress Real’s president Florentino Perez, who also wants to sign David Villa in the summer, paving the way for Benzema’s exit.
The former Lyon man has scored seven goals in 20 games for Manuel Pellegrini’s side this season and is due to face his former employers in the Champions League in midweek.
However, he could be forced to watch from the bench following the return of both Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonzalo Higuain.
Benzema has previously admitted he has been disappointed with the amount of time he has spent on the bench in Madrid, while still insisting he is happy with life in Spain.
Meanwhile, the report claims that Real are willing to accept £18m for Benzema, although the Red Devils will have to see off stiff competition from both Inter and AC Milan if they are to sign the Frenchman.
Source: goal.com