Sources: Manchester United stance on signing Karim Benzema explained amid striker Saudi exit claims

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• EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey

Sources have told HITC Football the latest on Karim Benzema’s future at Al-Ittihad this month, with Manchester United’s stance on the matter now emerging.

The 36-year-old’s future is currently clouded in uncertainty despite only arriving in Saudi Arabia a matter of months ago.

So, what have HITC Football been told about Manchester United and Karim Benzema? Let’s take a look…

Manchester United stance on signing Karim Benzema explained

Sources have informed HITC Football that Manchester United are not currently looking to sign the France international this month.

Chelsea have also been linked with a move for Benzema as Mauricio Pochettino attempts to find cover for the injured Christopher Nkunku.

Todd Boehly is said to hold strong connections to the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, with intermediaries proposing names such as Roberto Firmino and Aleksandar Mitrovic in addition to the Frenchman.

However, sources in Saudi Arabia tell HITC Football that the Saudi Pro League have no intention of allowing one of their major names to depart.

Benzema has scored 12 goals in 20 appearances since joining Al-Ittihad on a free transfer back in June 2023 after his contract at Real Madrid expired, while also providing five assists.

Mike Phelan open to having Karim Benzema at Manchester United

Interestingly, Mike Phelan, a man who spent many years working at Manchester United alongside Sir Alex Ferguson, was asked if he would take the Al-Ittihad No.9 at Old Trafford.

While the 61-year-old did not exactly say whether he would love to have Benzema at Manchester United or not, he did suggest he’d be open to the deal if Erik ten Hag was getting a fit, firing version of the Lyon-born striker.

Phelan told Stadium Astro: “I think there are a lot of teams – if it’s a fit Benzema and the Benzema we’ve seen in the past few seasons – who would take him. I think even at his age he’s still got the ability – that’ll never desert you. If you’re looking for goalscorers he would be on your list.”