10 months ago
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Manchester United have rejected the chance to sign Karim Benzema during the January transfer window.
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Benzema ended his 14-year stay at Real Madrid last summer to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad.
But just six months on from his arrival, doubts have emerged over his future with reports suggesting the veteran striker is keen to return to Europe this month.
United are among the clubs to have been credited with interest in the 36-year-old having struggled for goals all season.
Summer signing Rasmus Hojlund has scored seven times in his debut season but is now the club’s only recognised centre forward with Anthony Martial sidelined until April after undergoing surgery.
Erik ten Hag and his side are thought to be exploring loan options to bolster their forward options this month having signed Wout Weghorst on a temporary deal last year.
United however are not considering a move for Benzema to fill that void up top, even after the blow of losing Martial for the next three months.
The Sun report United have refused to even enter talks with the Frenchman, who signed a deal worth £86million a year with Al-Ittihad six months ago.
Reports elsewhere have also downplayed talk of a United approach for Benzema with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INOES sceptical over big-money deals for players in or entering the latter stages of their careers.
United are eager to end a cycle of signing established names on significant salaries with Raphael Varane and Casemiro, former teammates of Benzema at Real Madrid, among those to have been questioned by those now overseeing United’s football operations.
United are not the only club in the market for a centre forward this month with Chelsea thought to have registered their interest in Benzema.
The Blues also have well-documented issues up front with the burden largely falling on summer signing Nicolas Jackson.
Arsenal have also been linked with Benzema but like United, the Gunners are thought to have declined to make him an offer with their focus on signing a ‘versatile defender’ this month.
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