Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is convinced he can land Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema this year. The Sunday Mirror says Ferguson believes he can finally land long-term target Benzema following the Frenchman's failure to settle at Real Madrid following his £30m summer transfer from Lyon.

A swap could be on involving Nemanja Vidic.

The Serbian has been targeted by Real Madrid, who are aware of United's reluctance to reward Vidic with a new contract that would put him in line with the club's £100,000-a-week top earners.

And Ferguson will allow the Spanish club to get their man if they show a willingness to pay more than £20m for a player who has struggled with fitness problems this season and will turn 29 in the autumn.