Manchester United Football Club News

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

• Ground:Old Trafford
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United face striker competition

25 Jun 2009 - 10:40:47

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Real Madrid have officially contacted Lyon regarding the availability of Manchester United target Karim Benzema.

The rising star of French football has been mentioned as a potential replacement for Madrid-bound Cristiano Ronaldo at Old Trafford.

The Portugal international is set to join the big-spending Spanish club in a world record £80million transfer.

United could now face serious competition from Real to sign Benzema after the French club's director of communications confirmed their interest in the 21-year-old striker.

"Benzema and Lyon have both confirmed their intentions to continue working together," said Olivier Blanc.

"The only new issue is that Real Madrid contacted us a few days ago to discover the club's position regarding Benzema.

"But we know the player wants to stay one more year at Lyon and we want to keep him."