MANCHESTER United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to make a �40m bid for Valencia striker David Villa after Barcelona opened the auction with a bid. (Daily Mirror)But the Daily Star say that Villa is going nowhere and that instead Ferguson will pay �30m for Karim Benzema.

MANCHESTER United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to make a �40m bid for Valencia striker David Villa after Barcelona opened the auction with a bid. (Daily Mirror)

But the Daily Star say that Villa is going nowhere and that instead Ferguson will pay �30m for Karim Benzema.

However, United could yet face fierce competition from bitter �transfer market rivals Real Madrid for the Frenchman.

Fallen French champions Lyon opened the door to the sale of prize asset Benzema by making a �15m move for Porto striker Lisandro Lopez.

It is a clear indication that Lyon �president Jean-Michel Aulas is preparing to cash in on his 21-year-old star.

Meanwhile, Ferguson has offered Portuguese winger Nani to Wigan as bait in his bid to sign Ecuador winger Antonio Valencia. (Daily Mirror)

While, Brazilian club Gremio have rejected a request from United to take midfielder Douglas Costa on a three-week trial because they want a straight cash bid. (The Times)