Olympique Lyon are expected to open formal talks with Manchester United over the sale of Karim Benzema this week. The Daily Mail says United last night stepped up their attempt to sign France's Benzema in a £35 million deal.

Sir Alex Ferguson has been tracking the Lyon striker for four years and expectation is growing in France that he is ready to move.

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas said last week that his club will struggle to hold on to 21-year-old Benzema and club adviser Bernard Lacombe admitted: "If United want to buy Karim then what can you do?"