Manchester United LEAVE race for Benzema transfer

Karim Benzema is on the radar of Europe's top clubs after it has been reported in recent weeks that the France international is not comfortable playing for Al Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League. 

For their part, the Saudi club are also unhappy with the former Real Madrid player after he arrived 17 days late for his team's pre-season training camp. 

In addition, Benzema has reportedly had a meeting with Al Ittihad's management to reach an agreement on his future, something that seems complicated as the club want to make the most of the big money they have invested in his signing and the 36-year-old striker would like to try his luck in Europe again. 

Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United were all reportedly interested in landing the former Real Madrid man to bolster their attacking ranks in this winter transfer window, although the Red Devils have been the first to pull out of the bidding, according to the 'Daily Mail'.

The Mancunian club, who have recently lost Martial for the next 10 weeks through injury, need to bolster their attack but will not do so with the signing of Benzema, due to the high wage demands of the Frenchman, who earns a whopping £86m a year at the Saudi club.