Benitez adamant Bale and Benzema will remain at Real Madrid

Andy West 07:41 04/08/2015
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  • Going nowhere: Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema staying put at Madrid.

    Real Madrid boss Rafa Benitez has dismissed speculation that forwards Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale might leave the club this summer, sending out a strong message that he wants to keep all his current stars at the Bernabeu.

    Benitez insists Bale is a big part of his plans following weekend reports in Britain that the Welshman is being targeted by Manchester United.

    Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal has admitted that he would like his club to make a marquee signing, and many have put two and two together to come up with the name of Bale, who has endured criticism after only enjoying limited success during his first two seasons in Spain.

    But Benitez was quick to support the former Tottenham player, refuting the suggestion that Bale is keen to make a return to the Premier League.

    “Gareth Bale is a great player for us and I know that he is happy,” said the Madrid boss.

    “He is an important member of the squad and I am not going to talk about any offers for him. He is going to have a good season with us.”

    The prospect of Benzema departing has always looked especially remote, with the French striker firmly established as Madrid’s first choice centre forward and competition up front severely lacking following Javier Hernandez’s return to Manchester United after last season’s loan deal.

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    If anything, Madrid will be looking to sign another striker rather than letting one go, with Juventus’ Spanish frontman Fernando Llorente among those discussed.

    Nevertheless, some sections of the British media have been speculating that Benzema is a serious target for Arsenal, allowing themselves to get further carried away last week when the French striker posted a picture of himself on an aeroplane onto social media.

    That gesture is believed to have been a mischievous joke, however, and now Benitez has shown his support for Benzema by saying: “I see no reason why Karim should have to leave.

    “I am sure that he will stay and I am very happy with him.”

    However, Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo will both miss today’s friendly meeting with Tottenham in Munich due to minor injuries. 

    Benitez has been at pains to insist commercial considerations will not affect his team selection as he said: “The players’ health comes first.”

    Another player poised to confirm his continuation at the Bernabeu rather than moving to England is Sergio Ramos, who is likely to sign a new contract later this week.

    Earlier this summer Ramos threatened to join Manchester United unless he was offered a pay rise and an extension to his current contract, which expires in 2017.

    But he is now close to agreement with club president Florentino 

    Perez, with the new deal likely to be worth €8 million (Dh32m) a year for the next five seasons.

    Tying up Ramos would allow Perez to turn his full attention to United keeper David de Gea, with the Spanish giants keen to complete the transfer before the La Liga season starts on August 23.

    Benitez refused to discuss the situation, however, adding: “I have said in five press conferences that I don’t want to talk about players who are at other clubs.

    “We have three very good goalkeepers. I can talk about them, but not about any others.”

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