06-06-2009, 10:45 AM
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas last night opened the door for Manchester United to make a £30million move for striker Karim Benzema.
Sir Alex Ferguson will be looking for a forward if Carlos Tevez rejects United’s offer to turn his loan move into a permanent deal.
Ferguson has kept tabs on highly-rated Benzema, above, for more than two years, having dinner with Aulas after one Lyon match.
Aulas said “Karim said he wants to stay. I don’t want to sell. So he’s here at 99 per cent.
“However, Kaka should not be leaving Milan and he will join Real Madrid. We have entered spiral madness. I am relaxed. I will not say Karim is untransferable.”
Benzema, who scored a penalty for France in their 1-0 win over Turkey last night, said: “If there is a huge offer and the chairman says I have to go, I would probably leave.
“But I will not go and see him and ask to leave. I am 21 years old and I will have time to play for another club.
“The clubs will carry on calling. Everyone is looking for forwards. But I am fine at Lyon.”
Tevez should inform United of his decision after Argentina’s World Cup qualifier next Wednesday, with Manchester City set to pounce if he decides to move on.
Sir Alex Ferguson will be looking for a forward if Carlos Tevez rejects United’s offer to turn his loan move into a permanent deal.
Ferguson has kept tabs on highly-rated Benzema, above, for more than two years, having dinner with Aulas after one Lyon match.
Aulas said “Karim said he wants to stay. I don’t want to sell. So he’s here at 99 per cent.
“However, Kaka should not be leaving Milan and he will join Real Madrid. We have entered spiral madness. I am relaxed. I will not say Karim is untransferable.”
Benzema, who scored a penalty for France in their 1-0 win over Turkey last night, said: “If there is a huge offer and the chairman says I have to go, I would probably leave.
“But I will not go and see him and ask to leave. I am 21 years old and I will have time to play for another club.
“The clubs will carry on calling. Everyone is looking for forwards. But I am fine at Lyon.”
Tevez should inform United of his decision after Argentina’s World Cup qualifier next Wednesday, with Manchester City set to pounce if he decides to move on.