Manchester United Football Club

• Nickname:Red Devils
• Founded:1878
• Manager:Sir Alex Ferguson

• Ground:Old Trafford
• Capacity:68174

Benzema prefers France stay

23 Jun 2009 - 07:41:49

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Lyon striker Karim Benzema looks set to disappoint both Manchester United and Internazionale by staying in France for one more season.

The 21-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford in recent days, but Benzema's agent, Karim Djaziri, says that his client is in no hurry to leave the Stade Gerland.

He commented: "Karim is on holiday at the moment and he is not thinking of moving.

"He wants to stay in France for another year so that he can prepare for the World Cup and I think that Sir Alex Ferguson knows this.

"Perhaps he wants to make an offer to Lyon. If that happens, then Karim will think about it, but as things stand, Karim wants to stay with Lyon for another year."

Previously, Inter president Massimo Moratti had expressed doubt over whether the club can afford Benzema or Antonio Cassano.

Benzema and Sampdoria playmaker Cassano were both being linked with switches to the San Siro, but Moratti has claimed any transfers will only be completed for sensible fees.

"Are we aiming for Benzema? Only if he does not cost too much," Moratti told Il Giornale.

"With Cassano there is nothing occurring, despite being a player that Jose Mourinho likes a lot. A great player," he added.