Manchester United’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward held talks with the agent of Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema according to reports in English media.
Following the departure of Radamel Falcao back to Monaco and with Robin van Persiea s future at Old Trafford also unclear, Manchester United were in the market for another striker
Reports were doing the round that Karim Benzema was high on the list of targets at Old Trafford and a 40million bid was expected to be launched by Manchester United.
It now appears that Manchester United are meeting the agent of the player to find out if he is open to a move to the Premier League giants.
Benzema has emerged as a serious target for United in recent months, and Manchester Evening News reported that Woodward was spotted with the agent of the Real Madrid forward in London.
Real Madrid’s pursuit of Manchester City Forward Serigo Aguero has put the future of Benzema in doubt and Real Madrid could be tempted to sell if a substantial bid is made.
United are also hoping that if the cash is not enough, De Gea deal can involve Benzema, something that would suit both parties.
Robin van Persie has admitted that United need a 20 goal forward with Wayne Rooney on 14 goals the highest goalscorer. A tally lowest for any Manchester United top scorer since Frank Stapleton in 1982 with 14 goals.
The above comparison makes it pretty clear why Manchester United are going after Benzema. Benzema scored 15 goals in 29 games at a ratio of 0.59 per 90 minutes and easily outperformed the Manchester United forwards.
Not only that, Benzema laid an impressive 10 assists for his Real Madrid team mates, mostly Ronaldo, at 0.39 per game, again, quite comprehensively outperforming the rest of Manchester United attackers. Chances Created, Aerial Duel Won per 90 mins are also much, much higher for the Frenchman and second only to Wayne Rooney in Successful Take On %.
Should Manchester United pull it off, it will be a major coupe and the player with his pace, movement, and ability to finish will fit perfectly in the United squad. They could have signed Benzema when he first moved to Real Madrid. It appears the move can again be on the cards.