Karim Benzema to Manchester United: Louis van Gaal planning '£40million move' for Real Madrid striker

Benzema had previously been a top target of Sir Alex Ferguson's

(Getty Images)

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal is 'ready' to make a £40million move for Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, according to reports.

With the club opting against signing Radamel Falcao on a permanent deal and Robin van Persie's future at the club not completely clear, The Sun have linked the club with a move for the Frenchman.

Benzema, 27, signed a new five-year deal at the club only last summer but with Carlo Ancelotti now gone, the paper reports that it is unclear how the striker now fits into the club's future plans.

Rafa Benitez, the heavy favourite for the job, is apparently ready to make Gareth Bale a central part of his plans.

Sir Alex Ferguson was long linked with a move for the former Lyon man, who has scored 133 goals in 281 matches for Real Madrid.