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Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward met with Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema's agent earlier this week, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Woodward was seen with Karim Djaziri at The Savoy hotel in London on Wednesday evening amid reports United could lodge a £40m bid for the 27-year-old, who is on holiday in New York.

Wayne Rooney was United's lowest top scorer since Frank Stapleton in 1982 with 14 goals last season, and with Robin van Persie's future in doubt and Radamel Falcao back at Monaco, Van Gaal's only other recognisable striker is 19-year-old James Wilson.

Sir Alex Ferguson courted Benzema while he was at Lyon and even handed him a United shirt after The Reds' 1-1 draw with Lyon in 2008.

(Image: Getty)

Benzema, though, joined Real the following year for £35m and United signed Michael Own instead.

United manager Louis van Gaal flew to his Portugal holiday home last week and has told Woodward which players he wants brought in this summer.

Van Gaal is determined to sign his targets before pre-season training begins next month, having seen Daley Blind and Radamel Falcao arrive on transfer deadline day last year. Argentine duo Marcos Rojo and Angel di Maria joined after the season had begun.

Karim Benzema - La Liga 14/15 29 Appearances 15 Goals 10 Assists

Van Gaal revealed after the final game of the season at Hull he knew 'which players have to go and have to come' and Benzema is regarded as a possible option up front.

Benzema could also be used as a sweetener by Real in their attempts to sign David de Gea from United.

In pictures - United's summer transfer targets: