Real Madrid are set to counter Manchester United in a bid for Karim Benzema, according to reports in the Spanish press.

While reports in England on Friday indicated the Red Devils were on the verge of a €30 million bid for the France international, Marca has reported that Real have lined up a counter €32 million bid in order to lure Benzema to the Bernabeu.

Despite Benzema and Lyon's President reiterating that the youngster would like to stay in France, a number of European giants are said to be interested in securing the player's services, including Madrid, United and most recently, Arsenal.

Madrid gained an interest in Benzema after their talks for Valencia's David Villa fell through, and Marca reported that Los Blancos are willing to offer players in exchange as well as bid up to €40 million.

Although the report remains unverified, Madrid's astronomical spending in the season so far indicate that the Benzema rumours could be true.

If United thought that they had seen the last of Los Merengues after selling Ronaldo to them, it looks like they were wrong.

Arsenal may be surprise contenders to snatch Benzema's signature, and while they do not have the funds that Madrid and United can boast, reports in England claim that they are willing to offer striker Emmanuel Adebayor to Lyon in exchange for the French starlet.

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