Manchester United have been dealt another bitter blow by Real Madrid, as the Spaniards signed Lyon star Karim Benzema for 30-million pounds. According to Sun Sport, the French striker Benzema was the man Man U boss Alex Ferguson wanted to replace Carlos Tevez. But free-spending Real president Florentino Perez nabbed the ace to leave Fergie reeling.

Benzema, 22, is one of the hottest strikers in European football and had attracted interest from Chelsea, Arsenal, Barcelona and AC Milan. He became Madrid's fourth signing so far this summer after the capture of Ronaldo, Kaka and Raul Albiol. Benzema will sign a six-year deal worth about 100,000-pounds a week, with the fee possibly hitting 35.2 million pounds with bonuses.

A statement from the Bernabeu giants said, "Real Madrid and Lyon have reached an agreement for the transfer of Karim Benzema, which will be effective after the player's medical and the signing of the contract." Benzema's move means Real are no longer in the market for Spanish international striker David Villa.