Manchester United's new CEO Omar Berrada could reportedly help the Red Devils sign Al-Ittihad centre-forward Karim Benzema before the end of the January transfer window.
The 36-year-old's future is currently being called into question, with Man United, Arsenal and Chelsea all believed to be exploring a deal for him in the latter stages of the market.
A permanent move is highly unlikely due to the fact that Benzema earns in the region of £88m a year, but a loan switch to the Premier League is believed to be a possibility.
Benzema has played down suggestions that he wants to leave Al-Ittihad, telling reporters: "It's completely false! The French media don't know what to invent any more. The bigger the better."
However, there is still believed to be a strong chance that he could leave over the next week, and according to L'Equipe, a move to Old Trafford is on the cards.
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Man United have appointed ex-Manchester City chief Berrada as their new CEO, and he is said to have a close relationship with the owners of Al-Ittihad.
Berrada is therefore 'capable of attracting' Benzema to Old Trafford, with the Red Devils said to be ahead of the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea when it comes to a deal.
The experienced forward was expected to sign a new contract at Real Madrid over the summer, but he surprisingly decided to end his hugely successful career with the Spanish outfit to move to Saudi Arabia.
Benzema has managed 12 goals and five assists in 20 appearances for Al-Ittihad since his arrival, but the reigning champions are down in seventh spot in the Saudi Pro League table, 25 points off leaders Al-Hilal.
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The forward, who scored 354 goals and registered 165 assists in 648 appearances for Real Madrid, has a contract with his Saudi club until the summer of 2026.
Benzema's wages are likely to be a huge obstacle, though, with Man United not in a position to commit to a huge outlay in January due to the rules surrounding Financial Fair Play.
Erik ten Hag's side are said to be open to making a signing before the end of the transfer window, but any deal would have to make financial sense for the club.
The Red Devils are short when it comes to the centre-forward position, with Rasmus Hojlund currently their only senior option in that area of the field, and there have been suggestions that Anthony Martial could be set for a lengthy absence due to a hip problem.
Martial is expected to leave Old Trafford on a free transfer this summer, and a new striker will be a priority for the club at the end of the 2023-24 campaign.
Matt Law
