Manchester United are lining up a surprise loan move for Al-Ittihad striker Karim Benzema, according to Spanish outlet Fichajes.
The Red Devils are currently looking for a new centre-forward on loan who can compete with Rasmus Hojlund up front.
They have been linked with multiple names this month and Fichajes now claim that Benzema is a surprise target for United.
Manager Erik ten Hag believes Benzema would be a valuable reinforcement to strengthen the squad and raise internal competition.
The former Real Madrid man has not showed up for training with Al-Ittihad recently and he is increasingly unsettled at the club.
Los Blancos and Lyon are also mentioned as his admirers.
Benzema would be a good short-term signing
The 36-year-old had an extraordinary season with Real Madrid last term, scoring 31 goals and providing six assists from 43 appearances across all competitions.
Despite this, he chose a big-money move to Al-Ittihad last summer. Benzema has 12 goals and three assists in just 20 games, but he is unhappy at the moment.
In our view, the Frenchman would be a brilliant short-term signing for the Red Devils, but the striker would have to accept a significant salary reduction for a loan deal.
He is currently on a staggering £1.66 million per week at Al-Ittihad. It is highly unlikely that United will offer more than £250,000 per week on loan for the rest of the season.
If Al-Ittihad refuse to compensate for the difference in wages, it would entirely depend on Benzema sacrificing his astronomical salary to make the switch to Old Trafford.
Benzema’s big-game experience would be handy for United in the back end of the campaign. He could also act as a mentor for Hojlund and reduce the scoring burden on him.