Blow for Man Utd as La Liga superstar 'verbally agrees' new contract

Manchester United have been dealt a transfer blow with a La Liga superstar verbally agreeing a new contract.

Erik ten Hag's side are already looking ahead to the summer transfer window and one area that is top of their list to strengthen is the attack.

Since the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, United have been without a quality out-and-out striker and although Marcus Rashford's goalscoring form has been incredible they can't solely rely on him.

Wout Weghorst was signed on loan from Burnley in January but Ten Hag will be looking for a better permanent option in the summer.

One player United have shown interest in is Real Madrid superstar Karim Benzema. The Ballon d'Or winner's contract expires in June so there's been a lot of speculation about his future.

However, it appears the Frenchman has verbally agreed to sign a new deal at Madrid which is a blow to United.

French outlet L'Equipe (via Madrid Zone) recently reported that the 35-year-old has agreed to extend his contract with the Spanish giants to 2024 virtually ruling out a move to Old Trafford.

United to turn to Kane

The Red Devils were rumoured to have offered Benzema a crazy salary to ditch Madrid for Manchester having saved a lot of money through Ronaldo's departure.

The fact he would be a free transfer looks attractive, but signing a striker with Premier League experience and who has a few more years at the top level makes more sense.

It was recently reported that United had made Tottenham's Harry Kane their number one target and making a move for him looks more likely.

The Red Devils need to be wary about entering into negotiations with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy and don't want to pay over the odds for Kane.

However, his contract expires in 2024 so if he pushes for a move then United might get their way.

Both Benzema and Kane are amongst the best strikers in the world and if Ten Hag wants to take United back to the top he needs one.

Topics: Manchester United, Real Madrid, Karim Benzema, Premier League, Transfers

Will Evans

Sports journalist with experience writing for local and national titles.

@WillEvo20