Lyon coach Claude Puel has backed Karim Benzema to be a success at Real Madrid after the club accepted a bid for the striker.

Benzema is set to join Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo in signing a six-year contract at the Bernabeu after Les Gones agreed to a 35million euro (£29.7million) approach from Madrid, who will see their summer spending spree pass the 200million euro mark.

The fee could yet rise to 41million euros (£34.8m) dependent on performance clauses.

While disappointed to lose one of his prize assets, Puel acknowledged the France striker had a desire to move on and wished him well.

"He was at home here," the 47-year-old told L'Equipe. "He might have been in a comfort zone. To join Real will open other opportunities for him alongside great players.

"He has character. This can be very beneficial for him.

"We are losing a high quality and very effective player.

"Of course I wish him success at this great club. This is a new challenge for him and he is well equipped to respond."

Madrid and Manchester United had been vying for the services of Benzema but a deal appeared unlikely with Lyon continuing to insist until yesterday that the player would remain at the Stade Gerland for at least one more season.

However, talks gained in momentum and reached a speedy conclusion yesterday afternoon.

"It accelerated in the last 24 hours with the proposal from Real to which Karim wanted to respond," Puel added last night.

"There were many exchanges (on Tuesday) between the two clubs before it was finalised."