According to the News of the World, Manchester United
will attempt to sign Karim Benzema from Olympique Lyonnais in the
summer - after they ditch Carlos Tevez.
Benzema has long been on Sir Alex Ferguson's radar, and he was
heavily linked with move to Old Trafford last summer. However, OL
made it crystal clear that their prize youngster was not for
sale.
But now the 21-year-old striker looks certain to leave the Stade
Gerland at season's end, and United have joined the lenghtening
queue for his signature.
Barcelona and Real Madrid are also thought to be keen on the French
international, although the latter club's interest may fade as
Tevez edges closer to the exit door at Old Trafford.
The Argentine forward has been deprived of first-team opportunities
this term - much to bemusement of pundits and public alike, it must
be said - and is becoming increasingly dissatisfied with his
bit-part role.
Furthermore, the 24-year-old is approaching the end of his two-year
loan spell, and United seem reluctant to cough up the €34 million
required to make the deal permanent.
Thus, the Red Devils could let Tevez leave and instead splash out
on Benzema, even though it may take upwards of €40 million to prise
him away from Lyon.
Of course, these reports are purely speculatory, and only time will
tell whether there is any truth in them whatsoever.
