Ferguson set to step up Benzema pursuit

MANCHESTER UNITED manager Alex Ferguson is set to step up his pursuit of Karim Benzema after Carlos Tevez’s departure was finally confirmed over the weekend.

Lyon striker Benzema was always likely to be at the top of Ferguson’s shopping list this summer, with the United manager admitting he knew Cristiano Ronaldo would quit Old Trafford for Real Madrid.

Ferguson had wanted to keep hold of Tevez, but the Argentine’s decision to turn down a five-year contract has only intensified the need for more firepower.