Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson intends to launch a summer bid for Olympique Lyon star Karim Benzema. The News of the World says Ferguson is a long-time admirer of Lyon's Benzema, who made a stunning impact when the two clubs met in the Champions League last season.

Fergie will turn his attention to the Frenchman, 21, who has admitted that he will be on the move at the end of the current campaign.

But Fergie will face fierce competition from both Real Madrid and Barcelona for Benzema, who has become the most wanted young player in Europe.

It could push the price over the £40million mark but Fergie will be willing to splash the whole of his summer transfer budget on Benzema.