Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema is again being linked with Manchester United.

The Manchester Evening News says United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has been alerted by Benzema's failure to make an impact at Real Madrid and is ready to offer him an escape route to Old Trafford.

Fergie tracked the former Lyon striker for three years before finally making a move last summer.

He saw the man, dubbed the new Zinedine Zidane in France, as the perfect player to add some sparkle to United's squad following the £80m departure of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real.

Benzema has managed only five goals in 13 appearances this season and with Real ready to swoop for Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery, they would be open to offers for the 22-year-old.

Fergie even believes that he could even pick up his long-term target on the cheap for around the £20m he was prepared to pay last summer.

He still has the majority of the Ronaldo money to spend and is ready to move in the transfer window - provided the right players are available.