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Lyon: Benzema could leave

18 Jun 2009 - 11:48:50

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Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has conceded that Manchester United target Karim Benzema could leave the French club this summer.

Benzema, 21, is currently one of the hottest properties in European football and the France striker has been linked with moves to both Old Trafford and Barcelona.

Aulas hopes the £30million frontman decides to stay at the Stade Gerland for a further season before moving on, but has admitted there is little he could do should the player decide that now is the right time to move on.

United's interest in the frontman has increased following their decision to cash in on Cristiano Ronaldo in an £80million deal with Real Madrid.

"Karim has said that he wants to stay another year at Lyon," Aulas told L'Equipe. "But I think that Kaka or Ronaldo maybe imagined remaining with their respective clubs.

"There is a tsunami called Real Madrid which provokes reactions at Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United.

"So it is very complicated to say that he is non-transferable. Today, it's obvious we want to keep him.

"There is more chance he'll be at Lyon next season than that he won't be. I won't hide from you the fact that he has been approached. For the moment, I managed to convince them not to go further."