Real Madrid 'confident over new Karim Benzema deal'

Real Madrid reportedly expect to agree a new contract with Karim Benzema in the near future.

The Frenchman has already enjoyed an iconic career with Los Blancos, contributing 303 goals from his 625 appearances in all competitions.

During that time, the forward can count four La Liga titles and five Champions League crowns during his vast collection of silverware earned while playing at the Bernabeu.

However, Benzema is due to turn 35 years of age before the end of the year, naturally putting in doubt whether Real will look to sign a younger alternative.

Nevertheless, according to Marca, the sole intention of the European champions is to finalise fresh terms with the legendary figure.

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As it stands, Benzema has just over 12 months remaining on his existing deal, effectively giving the player the opportunity to start contemplating a fresh challenge before the end of his playing days.

That does not appear to be in the attacker's thinking, with the Spanish giants expecting to announce a contract extension over the coming days or weeks.

Benzema would allegedly commit his future to Real for the next two years, and he would remain as first-choice striker for the foreseeable future.

Should Real get the extension over the line, it is claimed that Real will not attempt to sign an eventual long-term replacement for Benzema this summer.

Throughout 2022, Real have been heavily linked with each of Kylian Mbappe and Erling Braut Haaland, the pair being in a position to leave Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund respectively.

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President Florentino Perez placed the majority of his focus on attempting to sign Mbappe on a free transfer, only to see his priority target opt to remain at Parc des Princes.

Despite that obvious disappoint, Perez insisted earlier this week that he did not regret pushing harder to try to beat Manchester City to Haaland's signature.

Speaking to El Chiringuito, Perez said: "Mbappe deal didn't create any problem with Haaland deal, absolutely. We have Benzema, so it was impossible to have him with Karim.

"We can't sign Haaland to stay on the bench. Haaland is an amazing, fantastic player."

Mbappe's contract is due to expire in 2025, 12 months after the planned expiration of Benzema's new deal.