Karim Benzema attempted to broker a deal for good friend Hatem Ben Arfa with Real Madrid, it has been revealed.

The pair have been close since their days together at Olympique Lyon and Ouest-France says Benzema made a move over the summer to bring him to Madrid.

Ben Arfa came off contract at PSG in June and eventually signed for Rennes - but not before Benzema's attempt.

The striker went straight to Real president Florentino Perez with the proposal - which included a performance-based contract. But Florentino couldn't be tempted.

But with Julen Lopetegui replacing Zinedine Zidane as Real coach, there was no chance of Ben Arfa being seriously considered.