Crosas, on-loan at Lyon, confirmed last night that Barca sports chief Txiki Begiristain was in France: "Yes, I know Txiki is here, but I haven't had the chance to speak with him."

Asked if he knew if Begiristain had sought out Benzema, Crosas replied: "Well, I know he isn't here to see me."

The youngster went on: "Everyone knows about the interest Barca has in Karim and he surely came to see him. Benzema is comparable to Ronaldo in the year he was at Barca.

"He is very powerful and when he faces you he is very difficult to stop. He has a lot of quality and makes the difference in games."