Ferguson target Benzema hits Manchester United with double snub

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French goalscoring sensation Karim Benzema has hit Manchester United with a double snub by insisting that he will not be leaving Lyon any time soon. And, when he does, he'll head to Spain or Italy.

The £45m-rated France international, who has hit 26 goals this season, is top of Sir Alex Ferguson's wanted list this summer and scored against United in the Champions League last week.

However the Lyon-born player insisted he will not be leaving the French champions this year.

And Benzema, 20, also admitted that he would prefer a move to Spain or Italy rather than the Barclays Premier League once he quits his hometown club.

"I have a contract with Lyon until 2012," he told StarAfric.com. "I signed an extension last June.

"There will be plenty of time for me to think about other clubs in the future.

"I don't know when I will take a decision, but one thing that is certain is that it will not be at the end of this season.

"I will still be playing for Lyon next year. I am just 20 years old, and I have my future in front of me.

"My style of play would fit in best with the game in Spain, then Italy, and then England - in that order.

"I feel honoured that clubs such as Barcelona are interested in me. But I just concentrate on playing football, and I follow the advice of those close to me.

"I haven't discussed anything with the Lyon president, Jean-Michel Aulas. My agent does that for me - my only job is out on the pitch."