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Manchester United have cooled their interest in French hot-shot Karim Benzema paving the way for the young striker to move to Spain

United gaffer Sir Alex Ferguson has been monitoring the progress of the 20-year-old frontman for the last two seasons, but after the arrival of Dimitar Berbatov for £30.75million Ferguson’s emphasis will be on other areas of the team next summer.

The Red Devils are still keen to wrap up the permanent signing of forward Carlos Tevez and although Benzema has been firmly shunted down Ferguson’s shopping list, the player could still be an option if Cristiano Ronaldo leaves for Real Madrid in the summer.

Benzema has netted 11 goals in 15 appearances this season including three goals in three games in the Champions League and Lyon have resigned themselves to the fact that he will be moving on in 2009.

The football odds are stacked in favour of a move to Barcelona or Real Madrid for the £30million-rated forward, who has been with the French champions since 1996.

“My future? I like Spain. Next year I will play for Barca or Madrid,” said Benzema.

“Some people have said I cannot play at the highest level. How ridiculous. I have a lot to learn and am still growing. I am only 20 and am working hard to improve all the time.”

Benzema fired 26 goals for Lyon last season and was the league’s top scorer and player of the year and he was rewarded with his first international cap for France, when he scored the only goal in a 1-0 win over Austria.

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