Manchester United’s plans of recruiting Karim Benzema this summer have been dealt a blow by news that Italian giants AC Milan are also keen on the Real Madrid forward.
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The Manchester Evening News reported recently that the Frenchman’s agent had travelled to England to meet with Red Devils executive vice chairman Karim Djaziri to discuss a possible move for the former Olympique Lyonnais hitman.
However, the Gazzetta dello Sport [via Le 10 Sport] believe that AC Milan are now considering the Real forward as a potential transfer addition this summer.
The Rossoneri have been targeting Paris Saint-Germain forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and are hoping to bring the Swedish striker back to the San Siro [Sky Sports]. Should that deal fall through, however, Benzema would be considered as an excellent alternative.
The 27-year-old managed 15 goals in 29 La Liga appearances last season, and also contributed 10 assists, although he was ultimately unable to help the Meregues secure any silverware.
His impressive form continued into the Champions League, where he scored six goals in nine outings before the Blancos crashed out in the semi-finals.
While Milan would love to make a marquee signing such as Benzema, United would appear to be the favourites to recruit the hitman and look to be keen on bolstering their offensive options this summer.
United are set to lose several offensive players with the likes of Javier Hernandez [Daily Star], Robin van Persie [ESPN], Nani [TalkSPORT] and Angel Di Maria [Express] all being linked with the exit door. Radamel Falcao has already left the club, with the Red Devils opting not to extend his loan spell.
While United have already completed the signing of PSV Eindhoven forward Memphis Depay they appear to be in the market for new offensive additions. Players such as Robert Firmino [Metro], Gonzalo Higuain [Daily Star], Antoine Griezmann [Metro] and Nicolas Gaitan [O Jogo via the Metro] have been linked with a move to Old Trafford.