MANCHESTER United were said to be moving closer last night to signing Karim Benzema, the France striker, from Lyon. (The Times)On the day that United announced the �15.

MANCHESTER United were said to be moving closer last night to signing Karim Benzema, the France striker, from Lyon. (The Times)

On the day that United announced the �15.25 million signing of Antonio Valencia, the Ecuador winger, on a four-year contract from Wigan Athletic, Miralem Pjanic, Benzema's team-mate at Lyon, claimed that the player was on the verge of a British-record move to Old Trafford.

“Benzema is nearly gone to Old Trafford,” Pjanic, the midfield player, said. “The English club are willing to pay close to 45 million Euros [about �38 million].”