Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to launch a new bid for Olympique Lyon star Karim Benzema. The Mirror says Fergie has been on the trail of the hitman for a year but was priced out of a swoop last summer when he turned instead to Dimitar Berbatov.

Now United are plotting a second attempt for Benzema with French giants Lyon at risk of missing out on a Champions League slot.

Lyon wanted around £40m for Benzema a year ago and were in a position to hold onto their home-grown starlet. Now the striker, anxious to stay in Europe's elite competition, may push for the move himself.

If Lyon drop their asking price considerably United would snap up Benzema in an instant - which would mean the end of Carlos Tevez's chances of being signed permanently.

Ferguson's top spies were at Lyon's game with Paris Saint Germain at the weekend when Benzema and his pals fired blanks.