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Karim Benzema to Manchester United: Real Madrid striker's agent spotted holding talks with Ed Woodward ahead of proposed £35m transfer

Benzema has a contract with Real that runs until 2019 but has been linked with a big money move to Manchester United

Jack de Menezes

Friday 05 June 2015 09:29 BST

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema could be a transfer target for Manchester United (Getty Images)

Karim Benzema could be set for a stunning transfer to Manchester United after the Real Madrid striker's agent was seen holding talks with Ed Woodward, the Premier League club's executive vice-chairman.

The Manchester Evening News claims Woodward was spotted alongside Karim Djaziri at The Savoy hotel in London on Wednesday evening. Benzema is currently on holiday in New York after being left out of the France national team due to injury, and the 27-year-old has been linked with a £40m move to Old Trafford this summer.

United manager Louis van Gaal is determined to strengthen his attacking after seeing his strikers struggle last season. Radamel Falcao scored just four goals during his season-long loan that cost the club nearly £20m, and Robin van Persie struggled for form and fitness that has put serious doubts over his future with the club, given he has just a year remaining on his contract.

Real Madrid: Possible transfer arrivals and exits

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1/11Real Madrid: Possible transfer arrivals and exits

Real Madrid: Possible transfer arrivals and exits

POSSIBLE ARRIVAL: David De Gea

The Manchester United goalkeeper is torn between his current club and a switch to Real Madrid. The Spanish side are understood to be increasingly confident he will join them.

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Real Madrid: Possible transfer arrivals and exits

POSSIBLE ARRIVAL: Raheem Sterling

The Liverpool forward wants to leave Anfield this summer in search of trophies and there are few better places to find them than at the Bernabeu. Reports suggest Liverpool and Real Madrid will discuss a possible £45m deal later this month. Any aggressive move by Benitez could sour his relationship with Liverpool fans.

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Real Madrid: Possible transfer arrivals and exits

POSSIBLE ARRIVAL: Paul Pogba

The most in-demand midfielder in Europe has helped take Juventus to the Champions League final, but if Real Madrid get their way, it could be the Frenchman's last game for the Italian giants. Real recently denied reports that they have already made a bid, but rumours continue.

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Real Madrid: Possible transfer arrivals and exits

POSSIBLE ARRIVAL: Radamel Falcao

The Colombian endured a terrible season at Manchester United, but his record prior to Old Trafford can't be ignored. With Javier Hernandez's loan coming to an end, Real Madrid need a new striker and Falcao has the necessary reputation and something to prove.

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Real Madrid: Possible transfer arrivals and exits

POSSIBLE ARRIVAL: Sergio Aguero

Real Madrid's top target would be Aguero, but it is nearly impossible to conceive Manchester City selling him. The Argentina international only signed a five-year contract last summer.

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Real Madrid: Possible transfer arrivals and exits

POSSIBLE EXIT: Cristiano Ronaldo

It's suggested that Benitez could look to build his team around Gareth Bale, an approach that would put Ronaldo's nose out of joint and potentially have him seeking a new club. There wouldn't be any shortage of suitors, with Manchester United arguably the likeliest destination.

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Real Madrid: Possible transfer arrivals and exits

POSSIBLE EXIT: Gareth Bale

The Wales international endured a difficult second season at Real Madrid and has persistently been linked with a return to the Premier League. How Benitez rates the world's most expensive player will be key to determining if he has a future at the Bernabeu.

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Real Madrid: Possible transfer arrivals and exits

POSSIBLE EXIT: Isco

The Spanish playmaker was impressive at Real Madrid last season, but due to the wealth of talent at the club found himself played out of position or needing to make an impact from the bench. The player is reportedly frustrated at the situation and a new club could be the way forward. Manchester City reportedly keen.

Real Madrid: Possible transfer arrivals and exits

POSSIBLE EXIT: Iker Casilla

If De Gea arrives, Casillas' position will become difficult. The long-time Real Madrid number one has indicated he will stay whatever and compete with De Gea if he has to. But Benitez might decide that constant sparring between the two is not worth the hassle and move Casillas on. Arsenal have always shown interest.

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Real Madrid: Possible transfer arrivals and exits

POSSIBLE EXIT: Karim Benzema

The France international seems to be linked with a departure from the Bernabeu every summer, and this one is no different. Over six years at the Bernabeu the 27-year-old has been a consistent goal-getter. Arsenal regularly linked.

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Real Madrid: Possible transfer arrivals and exits

POSSIBLE EXIT: Raphael Varane

The 22-year-old has become a regular at the back since breaking into the team he joined in 2011. Considered among the best defenders in Europe and with his career ahead of him, the Frenchman is in demand and could potentially be sold to finance other deals. Manchester United and Chelsea are the clubs most consistently linked.

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Wayne Rooney finished the season as the club’s top scorer with 14 goals, but his tally stands as United’s lowest top scorer since Frank Stapleton in 1982. The only other option open to Van Gaal is the unproven 19-year-old James Wilson.

Benzema was a transfer target of Sir Alex Ferguson’s back in 2008 when the striker was still with French side Lyon, and the former United manager even handed Benzema a United shirt following the club’s 1-1 draw with the Ligue 1 outfit that season.

However, Real beat United to his signature in 2009 in a £35m deal, and despite constant links with a move to Arsenal over the years, he has remained at the Santiago Bernabeu to score 133 goals in 281 appearances across six seasons that has seen him have to play second fiddle to Cristiano Ronaldo when it comes to taking centre stage.

Benzema agreed a five-year contract last August which runs until 2019, although the recent appointment of Rafael Benitez as successor to Carlo Ancelotti could see a period of upheaval at Real and United could launch a move for the striker as a result.

Karim Benzema is currently on holiday in New York (Getty Images)

Real could even look to use Benzema in their attempts to sign goalkeeper David De Gea, who appears to be their top transfer target this summer.

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