The Spanish giants have secured the signature of Karim Benzema giving a shocking surprise to Man Utd who were supposed to sign him this week.

The news comes from Benzema's agent Karim Djaziri who confirmed the deal with only a few formalities remaining that would be completed later today. Real Madrid will have to shell out £30m plus bonuses to sign the player.

Man Utd had been tracking the french superstar since he made his debut for Lyon in 2004. A few days ago, reports from England suggested that Man Utd had offered £35m for the talented youngster and he would join the Red Devils in a week. But, Real Madrid had clearly beaten them in the race and have proved which is the top club in the world.

Djaziri told that "In the next few hours the player will talk with Real Madrid on his wages and terms of the contract."

For the moment, nothing is official although Lyon are happy to receive a bid from Real Madrid. Benzema would be Real Madrid's fourth signing of the season after Kaka, Ronaldo and Raul Albiol.