Manchester United: Papers: Bidding for Benzema?

Sir Alex to bid for Benzema
Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to rebuild his shattered strike force with a £30million bid for French star Karim Benzema. The United boss returns from holiday this week and will try to patch up his depleted squad with his biggest summer transfer splurge ever. Benzema is United’s prime target and despite publicly resisting a transfer, Lyon are already making moves to replace their 21-year-old striker. Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter Milan have looked at Benzema but United, with the cash from the Ronaldo deal, head the queue and progress is expected this week.
Simon Bird, Daily Mirror

The Daily Telegraph features quotes from Benzema's agent who says his client wants to stay in France for another year to prepare for the World Cup.

Former French international Marcel Desailly has urged Sir Alex to pay 'as much as it takes' to sign Franck Ribery from Bayern Munich. "I would put Ribery in the top two wingers in the world. It's Cristiano Ronaldo and then straight away after it's Ribery," insisted Desailly.

Meanwhile, the Mirror reckon Carlos Tevez agreed to join Manchester City two weeks ago and will complete the £47.5 million transfer in the next few days. The paper also features quotes from United striker Fraizer Campbell who is stalling on his £6million move to Hull City. He refused to commit his future to the East coast club yesterday, despite the fee being agreed a fortnight ago.

Round up by Gemma Thompson

Iker Casillas