Manchester City's owners believe they can prise Karim Benzema away from Olympique Lyon.

The News of the World says Manchester United and City have been warned they must splash out a world record £80million for Benzema.

The French striker is one of Europe's hottest properties - with Real Madrid, Barcelona and the two Milan clubs also on his trail.

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas said: "Our aim is to win the Champions League with Karim."

The fee might stretch United but moneybags City's new Arab owners would not shy away from the deal.