Real Madrid are expected to confirm today an agreement with Olympique Lyon for striker Karim Benzema. The French giants announced last night they had accepted an offer rising to £38 million from Real for the striker. Benzema has settled on a six-year contract.

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez had originally agreed a pre-contract with Benzema for season 2010/11, but that was thrown out as he faced frustration in his bid for Valencia ace David Villa.

AS says key to the deal was Benzema.

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas had refused to drop his asking price of £38 million, which was too rich for Florentino. But after several telephone conversations with Benzema, Aulas relented and agreed a structured fee starting at £32 million and eventually rising to £38 million based on appearances and success.

Indeed, it's claimed Benzema threw down the gauntlet to Aulas, warning he would not return to Lyon for preseason training if his dream move to Madrid fell through.