Barcelona chief Txiki Begiristain has admitted they trying to land Lyon ace Karim Benzema. "We've tried to sign him several times but it's never been possible," Begiristain told the French League's official website. "We tried this summer, but he wanted to stay at Lyon.

"In the end it will be his decision. We have excellent relations with both him and his club and we'll definitely keep in contact so that he knows we want him, and that he wants to come to us."