Report: Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal eyes Karim Benzema

Louis van Gaal has reportedly identified Karim Benzema as the ideal striker to ease Manchester United's goalscoring problems.

Last season, the Red Devils scored 62 goals from their 38 Premier League outings, 11 fewer than champions Chelsea and 21 fewer than second-placed rivals Manchester City.

Van Gaal has already indicated that he is keen to freshen up his attacking options this summer by allowing Radamel Falcao, who scored just four goals, to return to his parent club Monaco, while he would also give no assurances that Robin van Persie would still be at Old Trafford next season.

That has brought about his interest in Real Madrid frontman Benzema, who scored 22 goals in all competitions last term, according to The Guardian.

The France international, who is thought to also be of interest to Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, is believed to be valued at around £40m.

Benzema's contract at the Bernabeu is not due to expire until the end of the 2018-19 campaign.