Benzema agent confirms Barcelona interest

Karim Djaziri, the agent of Olympique Lyon forward and French international Karim Benzema (20), has confirmed to French football site Algerie News that Barcelona is one of the European top clubs that is closely following the French striker.

Olympique Lyon would be informed about the interest of Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester United. The three clubs would have contacted the agent, with whom they are still talking, wanting to sign the player next summer.

Catalan sports paper Sport claims that, although the performances of Benzema during the European championships in June were disappointing to the Barcelona technical staff, the player continues to be one of Barcelona's transfer priorities for the summer of 2009.

Barcelona sports director Txiki Begiristain keeps working hard on the deal and a transfer of Benzema would not be linked to a possible renewal of Barcelona player Samuel Eto'o.

Read more:
Barcelona one of Benzema's favourite clubs
Barcelona working on Benzema transfer
Benzema only an option if Eto'o doesn't renew