Coveted Lyon striker Benzema talks up a move to Manchester United

Published on Saturday 15 November 2008 18:50

KARIM Benzema has indicated his desire for a move to Manchester United after he set his sights on a transfer to one of European football's elite clubs.

The prodigious Lyon forward is one of football's hottest properties after netting over 40 goals for club and country over the past two seasons and he has revealed he wants to discuss his future at the end of the season.

The 20-year-old France international has been valued at ?100m by Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas, and the player admits he sees his long-term future away from Ligue 1.

Benzema told L'Equipe TV: "There are a lot of clubs – Barcelona, Real Madrid, but also Manchester United, AC Milan. They are all clubs you dream about. I like Spain, but Manchester, Milan, you progress so much there. I want to progress at the highest level to be among the world's best."

Aulas' lofty valuation of Benzema is likely to deter potential suitors in the current financial climate, however, and the player admits the price tag will raise more than a few eyebrows.

"That's up to the president," Benzema said of the mooted transfer fee. "I imagine people are surprised because it's a big sum. We'll play this year and then we'll see what happens."

Tulberg boost for Tynecastle side

SUMMER signing Mike Tullberg is set to give Hearts a boost by returning to training this week. The on-loan Reggina striker has made only two appearances since joining at the start of the season because of a persistent thigh injury sustained on trial at the club's pre-season training camp in Germany.

Hearts manager Csaba Laszlo has since seen his forwards' failure in front of goal hamper his side's bid to land third place.

Christian Nade's goal in the midweek win over Hamilton was the first time a striker had netted since Jamie Mole scored in the 2-1 victory over St Mirren on August 23.

Laszlo is hopeful Tullberg can now quickly improve his fitness to bolster his attack in the coming weeks. He said: "Mike Tullberg is close to starting training and after that we must push his physical attitude to make him fit and get him back into the team."

Arsenal next up for Coyle's men

BURNLEY'S reward for their Carling Cup upset of Chelsea is a home tie against Arsenal in the quarter-finals.

Owen Coyle's side beat Chelsea 5-4 on penalties at Stamford Bridge after a 1-1 draw on Wednesday night and will now host Arsene Wenger's impressive youngsters at Turf Moor.

Arsenal swept into the last eight of the competition with a 3-0 demolition of Wigan at the Emirates Stadium despite fielding a team composed almost entirely of teenagers.

Paul Ince will take his Blackburn team to his old stomping ground of Old Trafford to face Manchester United, while holders Tottenham have been drawn away at Watford.

Stoke City and Derby County will meet in an all-midlands clash in the other quarter-final.

Carling Cup quarter-final draw: Stoke v Derby; Man Utd v Blackburn; Burnley v Arsenal; Watford v Tottenham. Ties to be played week beginning December 1.

Falkirk defender off to Albion

FALKIRK defender Scott Gibb has joined Irn-Bru Second Division side Stirling Albion on a month's loan.

Gibb, 20, has yet to make his first-team debut for the Bairns.