Karim Benzema to extend Real Madrid contract?

Real Madrid are reportedly keen to secure the services of Karim Benzema until the end of the 2023-24 campaign.

The Frenchman has already established himself as one of the greatest players in the history of the club with 327 goals from 612 appearances in all competitions.

Furthermore, Benzema has collected four La Liga titles and five Champions League trophies during his 13-year stint at the Santiago Bernabeu.

However, the forward will turn 35 years of age in December and is likely to be in the latter stages of his distinguished career.

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Nevertheless, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Real have no intention of parting ways with the veteran striker in the short term.

Romano suggests that the Spanish giants are close to agreeing a contract extension with Benzema, keeping him at Los Blancos until the end of 2023-24.

The development comes at a time when Real allegedly expect Benzema to collect the Ballon d'Or for the first time in his career later this month.

Should he be successful, that recognition would largely come from netting 44 goals in all competitions last season as Real won the La Liga and Champions League.

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Benzema has been less productive in the final third during the early weeks of the new season, not helped by a thigh injury sustained against Celtic at the start of the month.

In total, the former Lyon man has four goals from seven starts in all competitions, although that could have been improved at the weekend.

On his first outing for a number of weeks, Benzema missed from the penalty spot as Real were held to a 1-1 draw by Osasuna, a result which allowed Barcelona to move top of the standings on goal difference.

Benzema is expected to retain his place in the starting lineup when Real play host to Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League on Wednesday evening.