Olympique Lyonnais have confirmed they have received a substantial offer for star striker Karim Benzema but insist there is no agreement with Real Madrid or any other club.


Empics
Karim Benzema: Uncertain future.
French and Spanish media reported on Wednesday that a €35m deal had been agreed with Primera Liga giants Madrid but Lyon's director of communications insists that is not the case.

"We certainly did receive an offer of a sum appreciably superior to the sum that has been mentioned, but nothing says that it comes from Real,'' Olivier Blanc told L'Equipe. "There is no agreement with anyone.''

Earlier on Wednesday, French radio station RMC quoted Benzema's agent as saying only personal terms needed to be settled before a deal with Real was complete.

Meanwhile, Spanish newspapers Marca and AS both claimed the highly-rated 21-year-old would shortly join £80m Cristiano Ronaldo and £56m Kaka in Madrid as president Florentino Perez continues to build a new team of galacticos.

Benzema, who is due to return to training with Lyon on Thursday, has been linked with a number of Europe's top clubs, including Barcelona, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United.

On Tuesday Bosnian newspaper Sportsport quoted Lyon forward Miralem Pjanic as saying Benzema was close to completing a £38m move to Premier League champions United, but Pjanic has since denied making those comments.

"I have not granted any interview to the media," the Bosnian international said. "I do not know any other answer to say to you because I said nothing."

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Manchester United are leading the race to sign Girondins Bordeaux starlet Gabriel Obertan, according to the French Ligue 1 club.

Gabriel Obertan: Bordeaux youngster
The 20-year-old midfielder is regarded as one of France's brightest prospects and has been linked with a host of top clubs, including Inter Milan, AC Milan, Chelsea and Arsenal.

But Bordeaux president Jean-Louis Triaud claims that the Red Devils are closest to signing the France U21 international.

"There is a very strong likelihood that the deal will go ahead," Triaud told L'Equipe. "Manchester United want to sign him and, for our part, we would be delighted to see Gabriel playing for such a prestigious club.

"We will make the official announcement when the time is right."

The winger was loaned out to Lorient by Bordeaux boss Laurent Blanc for part of last season but has featured in les Girondins' first team since he was 17.

He was awarded the Most Valuable Player award at last month's Toulon International Youth Tournament.

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