Man U may put up 30 m pound bid for French striker Benzem

London, May 1 (ANI): Manchester United will bid 30 million pounds for French striker Karim Benzema, who will replace Argentine Carlos Tevez.

SunSport can reveal that Man U coach Alex Ferguson sent his brother Martin to see striker Benzema play for Lyon last week.

France ace Benzema is seen as the best striker outside of Europe's major leagues and United will face strong competition for his signature from Real Madrid, Barcelona and Chelsea.

Benzema, 21, will be sold if Lyon miss out on a Champions League berth - and that explains Martin Ferguson's visit to France last week.

United want to be in pole position if the French club decide to offload their star striker.

Lyon are currently third - a point above Paris St Germain - and in serious danger of missing out on finishing second in Ligue 1 and a place in Europe's elite competition.

Tevez's two-year loan deal expires at the end of the season and United have to pay Kia Joorabchian - the man who owns the rights to the player - the best part of 32 million pounds to keep hold of him.

Fergie is reluctant to part with that sort of money because Tevez, 25, is not a prolific goal scorer. (ANI)