Man United have declined the opportunity to sign Karim Benzema over 'exorbitant' wage demands.
The Red Devils sit eighth in the Premier League table and have so far struggled to score goals this season.
Yesterday, it was revealed that Anthony Martial has been ruled out for 10 weeks following groin surgery, which leaves Rasmus Hojlund as their only fit recognised striker.
A potential option for Erik ten Hag was to sign French striker Benzema, who plays in the Saudi Pro League.
However, it has now been reported that United do not want to sign the 36-year-old, who is paid a whopping £86million a year, over wage demands and fears of breaching FFP rules.
Benzema moved to Saudi side Al-Ittihad in the summer on a free transfer from Real Madrid.
Despite scoring 12 goals in 20 appearances, his side sit seventh in the table after a poor run of form.
Earlier this week, Benzema was exiled from the squad after returning from holiday 17 days late.
The 2022 Ballon d'or winner incensed his current employers, who were expecting to him to report back on January 2 ahead the side's mid-season training camp. A source close to the club told France 24 that they had been unable to reach him for 10 days.
According to Marca, as a result, Benzema has been omitted from the trip to Dubai by manager Marcelo Gallardo and continues to gear up for the league's resumption on February 7 on his own.
News of Martial's injury will be another concern for Ten Hag after United decided not to extend his £250,000-a-week contract.
This means the Frenchman can leave as a free agent nine years after signing from Monaco in a transfer that made him the most expensive teenager in world football.
Martial cost £36million but the deal was worth up to £58m including add-ons. The erratic forward, who had a spell on loan at Sevilla two years ago, has scored 90 goals in 317 games in a United career disrupted by injury.
FaisalMatuidi
0
The standard of the Saudi league is so low that Benzema knew he could enjoy himself somewhere and still come back to score goals and cash out.
brendanobi2
2
we don't need benzima, he is too old for £86million
Suubdlnuz
1
paying 86m per year and has not scored even 10 goals...wow..crazy
KxS
0
Bruh. Let martial leave. Sell Sancho permanently if you are not going to use him. Sell Unwanted players to reduce wages don't loan them
Yumikmnu
0
Benzima is 36 years, too old for any meaningful impact in the Premier league. Besides, United is building a team, so they need players who can be around for a long time, so benzima is definitely not an option.
I don't know whether it's the players who do not understand the coach's philosophy or style of play or he's just not good enough for united.
cizceikruy
0
I believe the young ones are being sold and sent out because they're not good enough according to the coach.
confused Coach
Yumikmnu
0
building a team whilst you sending and selling all young guys
I believe the young ones are being sold and sent out because they're not good enough according to the coach.
cuzdeiklru
1
let martial leave
rebdklmntz
2
chelaea come on please
Usmanbbs
0
New CEO effect?
cizceikruy
0
Benzima is 36 years, too old for any meaningful impact in the Premier league. Besides, United is building a team, so they need players who can be around for a long time, so benzima is definitely not an option.
building a team whilst you sending and selling all young guys
CleoB
0
Man United should first deal with administrative and other backroom issues, then sign players in the summer.
Yumikmnu
5
Benzima is 36 years, too old for any meaningful impact in the Premier league. Besides, United is building a team, so they need players who can be around for a long time, so benzima is definitely not an option.
Chop31
4
How do they want to sign a flop from a shity league and pay him such money
Covenant0001
1
I think new share older is given Man U the necessary orders they should have been following for years
yasbkmnpuz
2
Gotta be kidding who wants to join MU
Sahbil12
2
benz join chelsea