Benzema extends Lyon contract

Lyon striker Karim Benzema has signed a new contract at the club until 2013, with an option for a further one-year extension.

The France international has been attracting the attention of a host of leading European teams after a string of superb performances for Les Gones this campaign, but he has committed his future to the club he joined when he was eight years old.

An statement on the club’s website said: “Karim Benzema and the Lyon president agree that this extension is an important moment both for the player and for the club.”

The 20-year-old admitted last week he wanted to stay with the French champions, despite speculation linking him with a move to Manchester United.

“I want to be at Lyon next year,” he told Spanish daily El Mundo deportivo. “There’s still so much to do and I want to win titles with Lyon.”