Fergie hints at Benzema bid

Koozar · 02-18-2008, 08:27 PM

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has hinted that his club could make a move for Lyon forward Karim Benzema.

United have looked light on attacking options at times this season, with Louis Saha's injury problems often leaving Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez as the club's only available senior strikers.

Ferguson watched Benzema and team-mate Hatem Ben Arfa in Lyon's 4-1 league victory over Sochaux last weekend, and will get another chance to cast his eye over the player when United travel to Lyon in the Champions League on Wednesday.

"It is an area we tried to strengthen last summer and I don't think that's left us," Ferguson told the Manchester Evening News .

"I have big hopes for Danny Welbeck and he's progressing well but he's young. And we have Frazier Campbell coming back who has done well at Hull, but he's young as well.

"Benzema is only 20 and Ben Arfa is also 20. Lyon produce young players and Benzema is a local boy, which I'm sure gives them pride."

Ferguson was also quick to praise the negotiating skills of Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas, who made huge profits from the sales of Michael Essien [to Chelsea in 2005] and Mahamadou Diarra [to Real Madrid in 2006].

"The president is a very clever man," he said. "He's so clever he can sell midfield players for Â£20m. That's amazing.

"That Jeremy Toulalan he bought from Nantes just sits and does the same job Diarra did. When they sold Michael Essien, they took Tiago then sold Tiago to Juventus for Â£6 million.

"Eric Abidal - Â£10 million for a left back. They're a well-run club."

Benzema played down the chances of a switch to Old Trafford due to his desire to lift the Champions League trophy in the colours of his hometown club.

"A move to United wouldn't be right for me at this time," he told the News of the World.

"I have said I wouldn't leave Lyon until we've won the Champions League and I have no intention of trying to go too quickly."

Better not, we're supposed to be after them!

Koozar · 02-18-2008, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Josh-burton albion fc

is he a good goalscorer ?

yep, scored loads this season!

Koozar · 02-18-2008, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Josh-burton albion fc

so who else are after him ?

AC Milan are said to be i nterested, and Barcelona and Real!

'Chopper' · 02-26-2008, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Manchester United target Karim Benzema says he is staying at Lyon. The 20-year-old French striker insists a move to England would only be his third choice behind Spain and Italy anyway. (Various)

This bloke must fancy himself if he thinks he can move to a bigger club than Man U. when he leaves Lyon? Who, one wonders, does he have in mind?

02-18-2008, 08:27 PM	#1 (permalink)
Koozar Semi-Pro Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: London Posts: 734 Thanks: 2 Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts Nominees Submitted: 0 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts Has Not Won Any TOTM Yet	Fergie hints at Benzema bid Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has hinted that his club could make a move for Lyon forward Karim Benzema. United have looked light on attacking options at times this season, with Louis Saha's injury problems often leaving Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez as the club's only available senior strikers. Ferguson watched Benzema and team-mate Hatem Ben Arfa in Lyon's 4-1 league victory over Sochaux last weekend, and will get another chance to cast his eye over the player when United travel to Lyon in the Champions League on Wednesday. "It is an area we tried to strengthen last summer and I don't think that's left us," Ferguson told the Manchester Evening News . "I have big hopes for Danny Welbeck and he's progressing well but he's young. And we have Frazier Campbell coming back who has done well at Hull, but he's young as well. "Benzema is only 20 and Ben Arfa is also 20. Lyon produce young players and Benzema is a local boy, which I'm sure gives them pride." Ferguson was also quick to praise the negotiating skills of Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas, who made huge profits from the sales of Michael Essien [to Chelsea in 2005] and Mahamadou Diarra [to Real Madrid in 2006]. "The president is a very clever man," he said. "He's so clever he can sell midfield players for Â£20m. That's amazing. "That Jeremy Toulalan he bought from Nantes just sits and does the same job Diarra did. When they sold Michael Essien, they took Tiago then sold Tiago to Juventus for Â£6 million. "Eric Abidal - Â£10 million for a left back. They're a well-run club." Benzema played down the chances of a switch to Old Trafford due to his desire to lift the Champions League trophy in the colours of his hometown club. "A move to United wouldn't be right for me at this time," he told the News of the World. "I have said I wouldn't leave Lyon until we've won the Champions League and I have no intention of trying to go too quickly." Better not, we're supposed to be after them! __________________

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