Manchester United need a striker and Karim Benzema is the high profile striker being linked to the club.
If Ed Woodward was still in charge at Manchester United, Karim Benzema would be on a private jet to seal a move to Old Trafford by now.
No potential deal quite fits the bill for the Woodward era quite like a panic move for a 36-year-old Benzema, a player past his prime, who Sir Alex Ferguson wanted to sign way back in 2009.
Current decision makers Ineos are attempting to take a more measured approach, although rumours linking Karim Benzema persist.
Karim Benzema linked
An injury will rule Anthony Martial out of action until April. It’s time to forget him now. The prospect of a late loan move for Karim Benzema does look tempting, despite the fact it would be seen as repeating past mistakes.
The benefits of moving for Benzema would be to take the pressure off Rasmus Hojlund, and potentially give the Dane a top class striker to briefly learn from.
Benzema is at Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad, and is unsettled. Now, it is claimed via Marca that Manchester United are talking with Benzema’s representatives.
Fabrizio Romano provides update
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano spoke on YouTube last night to provide an update on Manchester United’s stance.
Romano said: “As of today, sources at the club believe this is really, really unlikely.
“The package is too expensive, and with Financial Fair Play, Manchester United don’t want to proceed with that kind of deal.”
It is a concern being reflected among Benzema’s potential suitors in Europe, due to the high salary he signed in Saudi Arabia this past summer.
Romano added: “Let’s see if Karim Benzema will change his mind and accept a huge salary pay cut.”
French side Lyon are reportedly showing interest in Benzema, to bring him back to his former club, even though they have less salary budget than Manchester United.
Romano said: “Lyon are trying on a daily basis to make the impossible, possible”, before adding that Saudi bosses are pushing to keep Benzema.
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