Benzema to extend Lyon contract

Prolific France striker Karim Benzema has agreed to extend his Olympique Lyon contract

Prolific France striker Karim Benzema has agreed to extend his Olympique Lyon contract. Benzema, 20, has scored 26 goals this season and has been linked with several leading European clubs including Manchester United.

"We shook hands 48 hours ago," Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas told reporters. "We have an agreement with Karim. Now we have to reach one with the people who advise him."

Benzema was already contracted to Lyon until 2012 and Aulas was negotiating a two-year extension with a pay rise that would make him the highest-paid player in Ligue 1, a source close to the player said.

The Lyon chairman, who said recently he was considering setting a buyout clause worth €100 million, said the idea was to make sure Benzema stayed at least another season and possibly until 2010.

Details of the deal could be announced next week, Aulas said.

  • Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date

  • What’s making headlines in the rugby world? Listen to The Counter Ruck podcast with Nathan Johns

  • Sign up for push alerts to get the best breaking news, analysis and comment delivered to your phone