RUMOURS: Chelsea & Man City ready to move for Benzema

The France star has endured a turbulent season on and off the pitch at the Santiago Bernabeu and the Premier League clubs would be prepared to give him a fresh start in England

Manchester City and Chelsea are both ready to bid for Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, according to HITC. 

The France international's future at the Santiago Bernabeu has come under speculation amid rumours of differences with coach Rafael Benitez. 

Benzema's charges of conspiracy to blackmail France team-mate Mathias Valbuena over a sex tape has also led to strained relations, as the striker believes the club could have supported him with more gusto during the scandal. 

Chelsea would be keen to bolster their strikeforce in January as Diego Costa has struggled for goals this season, while City could use cover for Sergio Aguero, who has suffered from injuries and missed several key games so far.