Real Madrid star Karim Benzema has "snubbed interest" from Newcastle United and would only contemplate leaving the Spanish capital for Paris Saint-Germain.
Since the club's Saudi Arabian £305 million takeover was completed, the Magpies have linked with a whole host of elite-level players.
Benzema, who Newcastle passed up on many years back when he was a youngster, has been one of the big names mentioned but unsurprisingly the Frenchman isn't too keen on a move to St James' Park.
El Nacional, via Shields Gazette, say the 33-year-old rejected interest from the Toon and only PSG could tempt him into ending his lengthy stint with Real.
The report adds that although contracted until 2023, he would look to move on next summer if Real splashed out on Borussia Dortmund hitman Erling Haaland.
Since joining from Lyon, Benzema has hit 293 goals in 574 appearances and thrived as Real's main man when Cristiano Ronaldo departed in 2018.
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This season he's continued to bang in the goals, finding the net 14 times in 15 appearances in all competitions for Carlo Ancelotti's side.
He's one of the main contenders for this year's Ballon d'Or award alongside the likes of Lionel Messi and Robert Lewandowski.
And France manager Didier Deschamps believes he would be a worthy winner of the prize, which is handed out at the end of November.
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“The Ballon d’Or is a very important and prestigious individual award,” he said in a press conference.
“Karim is a one of the aspirants at this moment and he is obviously a very serious candidate to win it.
“I don’t just say it because I’m his coach, I hope he wins it for all he achieved for the season he achieved with his club and the French national team.”
Featured Image Credit: Image: Real Madrid & PATopics: Newcastle United, Real Madrid, Premier League
