Spanish publication Marca are reporting that Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is preparing a £25 million bid for Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema.
The 22-year-old endured a torrid debut season at the Bernabeu, but Manchester United have maintained a strong interest in the France international even though the former Lyon forward rejected Sir Alex Ferguson advances last summer in favour of a move to Real Madrid. The striker’s peripheral role in La Liga led to his surprise omission from Raymond Domenech’s doomed World Cup squad, and Marca suggest the precocious Frenchman is considering a move to Old Trafford in an effort to reignite his flagging career.
The well respected newspaper intimates Manchester United will offer Real Madrid £25 million in an effort to lure Benzema to the Premier League, with Sir Alex Ferguson desperate to alleviate the goal scoring burden currently shouldered by Wayne Rooney.
The form of Old Trafford’s latest recruit, Javier Hernandez, during the World Cup finals will have encouraged Ferguson, but Manchester United’s fans will be desperate to see their beleaguered owners respond to the influx of world stars at their bitter rivals Manchester City.