Manchester City ‘make contact’ with Real Madrid forward

Manchester City have reportedly made their first move in an attempt to sign experienced Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema.

There is no hiding the fact that Pep Guardiola is keen to recruit a new centre-forward, after Man City were left frustrated with their pursuit of Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane over the summer.

Pep Guardiola has only one natural striker at his disposal in Gabriel Jesus, who has largely been utilised out wide this season.

After ditching the idea of signing Kane, City are now reportedly “focused on Madrid’s number 9, who is to their complete liking”.

According to a report by El Nacional, City have already touched base with the striker’s representatives about a possible move to the Etihad Stadium.

The report claims City have ‘forgotten’ about a transfer for Harry Kane, after the England skipper has scored just once in the Premier League this season.

The veteran Real Madrid man, who is understood to be open to a deal too has netted a very impressive 15 goals in 17 matches for Madrid this term.

The French international is under contract at the Bernabeu until the summer of 2023, meaning the La Liga club may be prepared to cash in next summer in a bid to avoid losing him for free the following year.

The Citizens have also been linked with Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Braut Haaland, who is reportedly Pep Guardiola’s ‘primary striker target’ as he looks for a new No 9 after the departure of Sergio Aguero last summer.

But the competition for Haaland is fierce, which means there will be many suitors and a lot of money thrown around to secure the signature of the prolific striker.

Benzema good option for City, Blues?