CORNERFLICK
Karin Benzema has not been offered to Barcelona and no move is being negotiated, according to Fabrizio Romano. The Italian journalist said the French striker is still weighing up his options after leaving Al-Hilal, with his next destination undecided.
Barcelona link cooled
Reports in recent days had suggested Benzema could return to European football, with Barcelona mentioned as one possible destination. Romano dismissed that speculation in comments posted on his YouTube account.
He said Benzema had not been put forward to Barcelona by any intermediary and that no discussions were taking place over a transfer to the club.
Free agent after Al-Hilal exit
Benzema is now a free agent and can choose his next club without needing another side to agree a fee. The 38-year-old spent much of his career at Real Madrid before moving to Saudi Arabia.
His spell at Al-Hilal did not go as expected and his contract was ended in recent days. The club have since strengthened their attack by bringing in Ollie Watkins and Gabriel Martinelli, as Simone Inzaghi looks to reshape the forward line for the new season.