TARGET ... Karim Benzema
SunSport can reveal that boss Alex Ferguson sent his
brother Martin to see striker Benzema play for Lyon last week.
Argentina ace Tevez is frustrated at a lack of action at United. He
said: “I see myself leaving United more than staying. I don’t see
why I should lie.”
France ace Benzema is seen as the best striker outside
of Europe’s major leagues and United will face strong competition
for his signature from Real Madrid, Barcelona and
Chelsea.
Benzema, 21, will be sold if Lyon miss out on a
Champions League berth — and that explains Martin Ferguson’s visit
to France last week.
United want to be in pole position if the French club
decide to offload their star striker. Lyon are currently third — a
point above Paris St Germain — and in serious danger of missing out
on finishing second in Ligue 1 and a place in Europe’s elite
competition.
Tevez’s two-year loan deal expires at the end of the
season and United have to pay Kia Joorabchian — the man who owns
the rights to the player — the best part of £32m to keep hold of
him.
Fergie is reluctant to part with that sort of money
because Tevez, 25, is not a prolific goalscorer. But the
Argentinian’s tremendous work ethic has seen him become a firm
fans’ favourite at Old Trafford.
Tevez added: “I know the fans chant my name and sing
the song about the boss signing me. “They have always been very
good to me. It’s emotional for me. “It’s very difficult to say
whether I will be here next year. I don’t know.”
Real Madrid and Barcelona are ready to pounce if Tevez
leaves in the summer — and if they lose out on their own bids for
Benzema. The Frenchman is seen as a proven goalscorer who will
provide Ferguson with extra firepower alongside Dimitar Berbatov,
Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Benzema burst on to the international scene last year
and banged in 24 goals in 41 games for Lyon. He has followed that
up this season with 19 goals in 39 games so far.
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