Manchester United Transfer News: Latest on Karim Benzema Rumours, More

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has opened up on his experiences of working with Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho, but he remains committed to Los Blancos. Elsewhere, Napoli legend Jose Alberti hopes Gonzalo Higuain stays at the club, although he fears the financial might of clubs like United will make it difficult.

According to the Daily Express (h/t the Daily Mirror's James Whaling), Mourinho wants to start his reign at Old Trafford with a "marquee signing," and Benzema sits high on the list. But while the Frenchman praised his former manager, calling him "something special," he told reporters he has no interest in leaving the Spanish capital:

"

Mourinho was something special. It did not go well at first, then it got better, with ups and downs.

I'm not the player I was then when I was younger, and I'm proud that say that. But no club makes me dream like Real Madrid.

I always say I'm at the best club in the world, with the stadium, the fans, with a level of playing that is very demanding, with the best players in the world.

"

The Frenchman is routinely linked with a move away from the Bernabeu, despite his consistently strong showings for the club. Benzema has been with Real since 2009 and has led the team's attack for years.

The 28-year-old played a vital role in Los Blancos' run to the UEFA Champions League title, his second with the club. He has also won one La Liga trophy. Here's a look at some of his highlights:

Per WhoScored.com, the 2015-16 campaign was another productive one for Benzema, who scored 24 goals and added seven assists in La Liga. But while the former Lyon man continues to perform, Los Blancos are said to be looking at other forwards.

According to AS (h/t the Sun's Tom Sheen), Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski is the team's top transfer priority, and should the Poland international join, Benzema could be on his way out.

United's attack was carried by youngster Marcus Rashford far too often last season, and while the England international appears to have a bright future, it would be in everyone's best interests to bring in a more experienced starter during the summer and allow the teenager to develop at his own pace.

Paul White/Associated Press

Benzema would be a fantastic addition should he be pushed out during the summer, although he's more likely to stay in Madrid. He also seems perfectly comfortable with Los Blancos, and there's a good chance he wouldn't ask for a transfer even if Lewandowski arrived.

Higuain would be a great alternative, and Napoli legend Alberti is unsure whether the Argentinian will say no to a move once the likes of United and Paris Saint-Germain make massive offers, via Calciomercatoweb (h/t Whaling):

"

As a Napoli fan I hope Higuain remains because the Blues could win the championship with him.

PSG and Manchester United have a lot of money and with the offers made by these teams we should make him a statue if it decides to stay in Naples.

The team of Maurizio Sarri next year will have to at least try to confirm second place although I think all the rest of Serie A will also reinforce.

"

The Argentina international was one of Europe's most productive strikers last season, scoring an incredible 36 goals in the defensively minded Serie A, per WhoScored.

Lancia/Associated Press

But despite all of his individual brilliance, Napoli continue to lag behind Juventus in the Italian pecking order, and the 28-year-old has won just a single Coppa Italia since moving to the Italian peninsula.

Here's a look at some of his highlights:

While Benzema mainly stands out for his ability to hold up the ball and create space for his team-mates, Higuain is a pure scorer with incredible instincts and finishing ability.

He wouldn't come cheap, but after his sensational 2015-16 campaign, Higuain has firmly established himself as a top striker, and United could surely use one of those.

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