Manchester United will be given a second chance to sign France forward Karim Benzema.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is a keen admirer of the 21-year-old and it is believed that Benzema shunned a move to Old Trafford in the summer in favour of signing from Real Madrid.
However, by the high standards at the Bernabeu, the former Lyon man has disappointed.
He may have scored four goals in 11 La Liga appearances, but coach Manuel Pellegrini has started Benzema on the bench in six of the last seven matches.
Madrid are now keen to rekindle a move for long-term target David Villa from Valencia and are prepared to listen to offers for Benzema in a bid to raise funds.
Ferguson has money to spend after failing to re-invest the lion's share of the £80million he received from Madrid for Cristiano Ronaldo in the summer
Question marks have been raised over United's ability to spend, but Ferguson said: 'The money is there if I wanted to use it. I didn't see any value in the summer and I don't see any value at the moment either. I am happy with the players I already have at the club.'
His mind could change if Madrid offer Benzema for the same fee they bought him: about £35m.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is a keen admirer of the 21-year-old and it is believed that Benzema shunned a move to Old Trafford in the summer in favour of signing from Real Madrid.
However, by the high standards at the Bernabeu, the former Lyon man has disappointed.
He may have scored four goals in 11 La Liga appearances, but coach Manuel Pellegrini has started Benzema on the bench in six of the last seven matches.
Madrid are now keen to rekindle a move for long-term target David Villa from Valencia and are prepared to listen to offers for Benzema in a bid to raise funds.
Ferguson has money to spend after failing to re-invest the lion's share of the £80million he received from Madrid for Cristiano Ronaldo in the summer
Question marks have been raised over United's ability to spend, but Ferguson said: 'The money is there if I wanted to use it. I didn't see any value in the summer and I don't see any value at the moment either. I am happy with the players I already have at the club.'
His mind could change if Madrid offer Benzema for the same fee they bought him: about £35m.