France ace in City switch link

The agent of Real Madrid star Karim Benzema claims the France international would be interested in joining Manchester City this summer.

Benzema will be looking to help his country get off to a flying start in Euro 2012 Group D on Monday evening when they go head-to-head with England, who will have City defender Joleon Lescott and goalkeeper Joe Hart in their ranks. However, in the long-term it seems his UK agent Jonathan Hope is looking to set-up a move to the Premier League and the Etihad Stadium seems to be his favoured destination. Hope, who revealed that Benzema is not looking to join City's rivals Manchester United having been linked with a move to Old Trafford in the past, insisted he would only consider the league champions. "I have put Benzema forward after a talk with a very reliable and high source at Manchester City as a possible summer signing," Hope told Sky Sports. "We are working closely to secure the exclusive mandate to obtain the paperwork firstly after serious interest from the champions. "We spoke with Manchester United two years ago and it went nowhere, which I can see is perhaps a regret on their part. "The player has stated himself he will not go to Manchester United, however, he has not ruled out a switch to join the champions. I will have a clearer picture soon after the Euros when I have time to sit with his representatives."