Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has jumped into the battle for Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema.

The former France international is expected to be sold by Real this summer as part of a major clearout planned by president Florentino Perez.

A move to England has been mooted for Benzema and Don Balon says Guardiola is joining the race.

The Catalan admires Benzema's battling qualities and willingness to work off the ball. He believes Benzema would settle quickly into his system and has issued City chiefs with a request to kickoff negotiations.

Benzema is expected to leave Real for a fee in the region of €40-60m.