Manchester United 'preparing offer' for Karim Benzema and other transfer rumours

Manchester United are ready to launch a sensational offer for Karim Benzema to lure him to Old Trafford on a free transfer next summer - according to reports. Benzema, 34, only has six months left to run on his contract with Real Madrid after winning the coveted Ballon d'Or in October.

Benzema has totted-up 329 goals in 617 games, across 13 seasons with the Spanish giants, while United are looking to replace his former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo following his premature departure. But could a swoop for France superstar Benzema be on the cards?

Spanish publication Nacional suggest United are looking to take advantage amid stalled talks with his current club over a new contract. Benzema is free to discuss a pre-contract agreement elsewhere from next month as the same article indicates United are willing to offer him "a crazy salary" with the money they have saved on Ronaldo.

United and Ronaldo parted ways last month in the aftermath of his explosive interview with Piers Morgan in which he criticised the club, manager Erik ten Hag and several others. Nacional outline interest from United in Benzema as the former Lyon man seriously contemplates taking up a new challenge.

Elsewhere, reports from The Mirror claim United have Benfica midfielder Cher Ndour on their radar and are gunning to compete with Juventus for his signature. Ndour, 18, has been compared with ex-United midfielder Paul Pogba for his style and would be available without cost when his contract expires at the end of this season.

Ndour was born in Italy and progressed through the Atalanta ranks before moving to Benfica two summers ago. He has played 13 games for Benfica B in Liga Sabseg this campaign.

It means he has yet to make his senior debut. However, the teenager - who has the same agent as Bruno Fernandes - is tipped for big things in his career with at least two European heavyweights tracking him.