Karim Benzema not joining Manchester United

Karim Benzema's agent has rubbished reports linking the Frenchman with a move to Manchester United.

It was reported last week that Red Devils vice-chairman Ed Woodward had met with Benzema's agent, Karim Dzjaziri, to discuss a possible transfer for the 27-year-old.

However, Djaziri has outrightly dismissed those claims and insists that Benzema wants to retire at Madrid.

“I haven't met with any club in London," Djaziri told Marca. "Not with United and not with anyone else. We haven't held talks with anyone other than Real Madrid.

“What is Karim going to do in Manchester? He's happy in Madrid. He doesn't want to leave. Benzema would only leave if Real Madrid told him he was surplus to requirements, because he isn't going to leave of his own accord.

 “Karim wants to see out his contract. He wants to retire at Real Madrid."

The speculation linking Benzema with a move to United surfaced following reports that new Madrid manager Rafael Benitez is intent on transforming Cristiano Ronaldo into the club's main central striker.

Such a move would lead to Benzema either playing out wide or finding himself sat on the bench.

There have been suggestions that United will only sell goalkeeper David de Gea to Madrid if Benzema is included as part of the deal, but Marca claims the former Lyon striker has been given assurances of his place at the Bernabeu.