United's £30m Benzema raid

MANCHESTER UNITED will bid £30million for Karim Benzema — to replace Carlos Tevez.

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

Argentina ace Tevez is frustrated at a lack of action at United.

He said: “I see myself leaving United more than staying. I don’t see why I should lie.”

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 £32m to keep hold of him.

Fergie is reluctant to part with that sort of money because Tevez, 25, is not a prolific goalscorer.

But the Argentinian’s tremendous work ethic has seen him become a firm fans’ favourite at Old Trafford.

Tevez added: “I know the fans chant my name and sing the song about the boss signing me.

“They have always been very good to me. It’s emotional for me.

“It’s very difficult to say whether I will be here next year. I don’t know.”

Real Madrid and Barcelona are ready to pounce if Tevez leaves in the summer — and if they lose out on their own bids for Benzema.

The Frenchman is seen as a proven goalscorer who will provide Ferguson with extra firepower alongside Dimitar Berbatov, Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Benzema burst on to the international scene last year and banged in 24 goals in 41 games for Lyon.

He has followed that up this season with 19 goals in 39 games so far.