Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson wants to bring Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema to Old Trafford next month.

The Sunday Express says Ferguson is planning a late Christmas present for Old Trafford fans with a move for £35million rated Benzema in the January transfer window.

Ferguson lost out to Real Madrid in the summer in the chase for Benzema, 22, whose goal exploits for Lyon were always going to propel the France international onto a bigger stage.

But, despite having collected £80m from the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid, the United manager felt that the £35m asking price for Benzema was too steep.

Benzema has not made the expected impact at the Bernabeu. He has also been warned about his off-field behaviour where he has been guilty of overdoing the party life in Madrid.

Now Ferguson is ready to test Real’s resolve over the striker during the January transfer window.

He will be asking whether they want to cut their losses over the player or even loan him to Old Trafford until the end of the season.

United had been willing to go to £25m over Benzema when they were in discussions with Lyon.

Sevilla striker Luis Fabiano is chasing a move to Chelsea or Manchester United.

Brazil striker Fabiano, 29, was lined up for a move to AC Milan last August until Sevilla blocked the deal.

But the £16million-rated hitman is confident he will be allowed to quit Spain next summer to come to the Premier League.

He said: “I see United as a team with a very interesting style of play, of passing, of crossing. I think it would be easy to fit in.

“Then there’s the Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti, whom I really admire, and Sir Alex Ferguson, too.”

Manchester United are continuing talks with Valencia over striker David Villa.

The Sunday Express says the Premier League champions have also been in discussions with hard-up Valencia over much coveted hit-man Villa, valued at around £50m.

United are getting a clear run at Villa after seeing Chelsea step up their interest in Atletico Madrid ace Sergio Aguero.