"Karim wants to see out his contract. He wants to retire at Real Madrid". Those were the words of the French striker's agent, Karim Djaziri.

The agent received several calls today [Saturday] about his meeting in a London hotel with Manchester United's vice-chairman, Ed Woodward.

"I haven't met with any club in London. Not with United and not with anyone else. We haven't held talks with anyone other than Real Madrid", he said, adding that his client is focused solely on playing at Real Madrid: "What is Karim going to do in Manchester? He's happy in Madrid. He doesn't want to leave. Benzema would only leave if Real Madrid told him he was surplus to requirements, because he isn't going to leave of his own accord".

According to sources close to Rafa Benítez, the coach has some doubts about Benzema, who may not feature in his plans, but the club has sent the striker a reassuring message that they are counting on him for next season.

Right now, Real Madrid's efforts are focused on strengthening their midfield and improving service to an attacking line that again led the scoring charts in Spain this season with 118 goals.

It seems unlikely they will bring in a world-class centre-forward. Florentino likes Agüero, but City are not selling, which makes signing a top striker doubtful.