Manchester United will try to beat out the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool to the services of Karim Benzema, following reports suggesting Real Madrid are ready to let their striker leave in the summer.
Benzema has been constantly linked with a move to the English Premier League in the past, with Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United all reportedly interested.
While Manchester United have an enviable attacking force at the moment, it could all change at the end of the season, with Robin Van Persie constantly being linked with an exit, while Radamel Falcao's loan move might not be made permanent owing to injury worries.
Van Persie's exit from Manchester United remains unlikely, considering the rapport that the Dutchman, who finally scored in the 3-0 romp over Hull City on Saturday, enjoys with Louis Van Gaal, but Falcao is another matter, with reports suggesting the Colombian has four months to prove to the Premier League side he is worthy of a permanent transfer from Monaco.
If that move does not work out, then Manchester United will be in the market for a striker, and Benzema certainly fits the bill.
The Frenchman was close to signing for Manchester United, before switching to Real Madrid from Lyon, and he will come at a lesser price that some of the other targets that the club have been linked with, chief of them being PSG hitman Edinson Cavani.
According to the Daily Express, Real Madrid are willing to listen to offers for Benzema, and will consider a sale if they receive a fee in the region of £40 million.
Benzema is a name that is constantly linked with a transfer to the Premier League every summer. However, those links seemed to have been nipped in the bud in August by the striker and Real Madrid with the soon-to-be 27-year-old signing a new contract which goes all the way until 2019.
While no transfer can ever be really ruled out, especially in the summer transfer window, Benzema leaving Real Madrid does look like an improbable one.
The forward has been in good form this season, and is relishing his role as the number one central striker for Real Madrid. Benzema, who was on target for Real Madrid during their weekend win over Malaga, has also struck a nice partnership with his other two premier forwards – Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale – forming an attacking triumvirate which can cause a cold sweat or three to slide down the defenders.
It also remains to be seen what sort of situation Manchester United find themselves in, first with the striker ranks, and second with their position in the Premier League at the end of the season.
