Real to battle it out with Man U for Lyon ace Benzema

Spanish football giant Real Madrid is set to thwart Manchester United’s bid to buy Lyon striker Karim Benzema, saying it has given up the chase for Valencia's David Villa.

United manager Alex Ferguson is a huge admirer of Benzema and has been watching his flair for some time, the Mirror reported.

It seems to be another tough battle between the two football giants, who are also competing for Wigan Athletic winger Antonio Valencia.

Meanwhile, Real has given up the chase for Villa and is in the hunt for Benzema, who has scored 54 goals in the last two seasons and is amongst the most sought-after strikers in Europe.

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, who continues his persistent stride to pack the side with superstars, is reluctant to shell out more than £36 million for Villa.

Valencia has maintained that it will not sell Villa unless it receives a massive offer.