Karim Benzema might be picking up a World Footballer of the Year award within the next few seasons. The French striker is still far from the real deal, although he’s had a fantastic season for Lyon and demonstrated in the Champions League against Manchester United that’s he’s hot property. It’s little surprise that the likes of the Red Devils, Real Madrid and Barcelona have been in the hunt for the Frenchman, although they’re going to be short on luck with this one.

The Times report that Lyon are keeping the 20-year-old - well, they’re keeping most of him anyway, although whether or not he’ll hear the referee’s whistle is open to question. That’s because Jean-Michel Aulas, the club’s president has made this interesting statement.

“With €40 million or €50m we would sell Benzema’s ear,” Aulas said. “It is not a question of money. The player wants to achieve something big in the Champions League with Lyons.

“He is happy at the club and this can be seen with his latest contract renewal. I am sure that he will stay with Lyons until the 2010 World Cup finals.”

Somebody pass Karim the absinthe - he might just go all Vincent Van Gogh on our ass, swigging down the green stuff and severing his ear to be sent by courier to Old Trafford. Presumably the ear would be slightly more valuable than Darren Fletcher within the United squad.