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Sky Sports understands Manchester City are weighing up a move for France and Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema.

City could be in the market for a new striker this summer with doubts surrounding the long-term futures of Edin Dzeko, Carlos Tevez and Mario Balotelli.

Real hitman Benzema is thought to figure highly on City's wanted list for striking reinforcements, with the 24-year-old catching the eye for club and country over the last 12 months.

Benzema enjoyed his best season to date with Real last term, scoring 32 goals in all competitions as Los Blancos won the Primera Liga title.

Real Madrid would be loathe to lose Benzema, with the Frenchman established as a key member of Jose Mourinho's squad, but City are thought to be ready to test their resolve to keep hold of the former Lyon man.

Agent, Jonathan Hope, who is working on securing the UK mandate for Benzema, has revealed he has put forward the player as a possible arrival at the Etihad Stadium this summer.

"I have put Benzema forward after a talk with a very reliable and high source at Manchester City as a possible summer signing," Hope told Sky Sports.

"We are working closely to secure the exclusive mandate to obtain the paperwork firstly after a serious interest from the champions.

"We spoke with Manchester United two years ago and it went nowhere, which I can see is perhaps a regret on their part.

"The player has stated himself he will not go to Manchester United, however, he has not ruled out a switch to join the champions. I will have a clearer picture soon after the Euros when I have time to sit with his representatives.

"But personally I can see the business being done and to be fair it will rock English football.

"I must stress this is at discussion stages. All does seem in good order but this is football and things change fast."

Who the fuck is this bloke gobbing off ? All a bit Eric Hall for my liking.

Didn't think he was all that at first but Mr Discopants convinced me otherwise.Watched him quite a bit last year and he was very good IMO hope we get him.

Benzema does not want to leave RM but in any case I really hope we sell Mario...the guy will never get away from yellow or red cards as long as hes got a hole in his arse.

carl_feedthegoat wrote:Benzema does not want to leave RM but in any case I really hope we sell Mario...the guy will never get away from yellow or red cards as long as hes got a hole in his arse.

You use the indefinite article "a" hole in his arse Carl. I would suggest Mancini has ripped him a few new ones ;)

david yearsley wrote:

carl_feedthegoat wrote:Benzema does not want to leave RM but in any case I really hope we sell Mario...the guy will never get away from yellow or red cards as long as hes got a hole in his arse.

You use the indefinite article "a" hole in his arse Carl. I would suggest Mancini has ripped him a few new ones ;)

Watching him play is torture more often than not....he uses his body against an opponent to the extent that hes a foul waiting to happen.....and Im not surprised he was subbed after that shit effort he did....fuck me...he actually stopped and watched for like an eternity before deciding what to do with the ball..

No chance of getting Benzema now. Maybe 1-2 seasons ago when he was out of favour, but he would have been a risk.

I'd much rather have this guy over Dzeko and Balo. A triumvirate of Aguero, Benzema, and Tevez would be great...backed up by our midfield. Good stuff.

Id be buzzing to go into the new season with Karim,Sergio,Carlos and a young un.

Id happily sell Dzeko and Balo.

He would be an excellent addition as he has everything a modern centre forward needs (pace, great first touch and ball control, dribbling ability, finishing, heading) and can also play out wide if needed. Can't see Madrid selling him though unless he kicks up a massive fuss and demands a move, which seems unlikely

It will be a long summer of bullox, despite Our Man In Havana appears absent-minded.

Chinners out? uncontrolled rumors suggest he's become a Tory, btw...

SSN understands Bollox again. The agent sounds Bollox as well, UK Mandate, so you mean you have no dealings with Benzema at all but you'd like to get a slice of the pie. Cock!

Proper SSN Bollox, on the eve of England v France!!!!!!!!!

Agent, Jonathan Hope, who is working on securing the UK mandate for Benzema....

Who the fuck is he? and what does this mean?

No idea if there's any truth to it or not, but I love this sentance for so many reasons:
"The player has stated himself he will not go to Manchester United, however, he has not ruled out a switch to join the champions."

This one sounds a bit dubious. Very loose talk from that dude.

Couldnt see Real being willing to let him go but I'd be very happy if he did decide to join the champions.

I don't want him but I like the disrespectful, anti scum slant that has been put on it.

That's the kind of shite we've had for years & it's nice to see it happening the other way round.

bluebananamilksheikh wrote:Proper SSN Bollox, on the eve of England v France!!!!!!!!!

This is just it, innit? Ok, I love a good conspiracy but this AND "City are listening to cut-price offers for Nasri", at the same time?? Childish Mindgames imo

Rag_hater wrote:Didn't think he was all that at first but Mr Discopants convinced me otherwise.Watched him quite a bit last year and he was very good IMO hope we get him.

Happy to hear my posting has had some sort of influence on someone. There's a first for everything.

Yeah, I always thought Benzema was tailormade for Premier League and thought we should've tried to sign him after his slightly disappointing first season with Real.

BobbyDazzler wrote:Agent, Jonathan Hope, who is working on securing the UK mandate for Benzema....

Who the fuck is he? and what does this mean?

Totally unintelligible gobbledegook.

"I have put Benzema forward after a talk with a very reliable and high source at Manchester City as a possible summer signing," Hope told Sky Sports.

"We are working closely to secure the exclusive mandate to obtain the paperwork firstly after a serious interest from the champions"