Manchester United are ready to make an opening bid for Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema. The Mail on Sunday says United are set to make a £30million move for Benzema after Gareth Bale insisted he was staying at the Spanish club.

New manager Rafa Benitez sees Bale in his plans, not least after he revealed he wants to play Cristiano Ronaldo in a central striking role.

That would put Benzema on the sidelines but give Bale more scope on either flank.

Ideally, Benitez would want to keep Benzema in the squad but it seems the club are ready to cash in on the Frenchman to bolster their transfer funds.