Manchester United prepare swoop for Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema

Manchester United have stepped up their interest in Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema in a bid to mollify the effects of the possible departure of both Radamel Falcao and Robin van Persie, according to the Guardian.

The Red Devils have to fend off competition from Arsenal, who are in the market for a replacement for Olivier Giroud after the Frenchman failed to live up to expectations in the fag end of the season.

Arsene Wenger wants a player who is fast on his heels and can add to their goals tally, which needs some help next season if they are to be crowned champions.

However, the striker is expected to be available for a fee in the range of £40m, which given their deficiencies in other regions of the field could be a deal breaker for Wenger.

Louis van Gaal has revealed that he wants to bring in top quality players at the club who can add quality to the squad from the outset and thereby challenge for the title next season.

Benzema, who has scored 22 goals in 46 appearances this season, along with 10 assists, will be a massive addition to the squad and help alleviate the pressure from Wayne Rooney on the goalscoring front.

Real Madrid are likely to undergo a massive makeover in the summer, especially with Rafa Benitez expected to take over following the sacking of Carlo Ancelotti.

A slew of players are expected to make their way out of the club to make way for future investment, as President Florentino Perez looks to revamp his squad to bring them back to challenging for the title and the Champions League next season.

Benzema has won the La Liga and the Champions League with Madrid and should he be allowed to leave, will add some much needed experience to the squad, which has also seen a massive makeover since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson.

The striker, currently 27, has already represented his country in two World Cups and two European Championships and would surely improve on the four goals that Falcao managed to net last season.