Lyon rule out Benzema sale

Lyon chairman Jean-Michel Aulas has ruled out any possibility of star striker Karim Benzema leaving the club this summer. Man Utd, Chelsea and Barcelona have all been linked with the French international forward.

Benzema has admitted he is very flattered by the interest of some of the continent's top clubs, but would like to stay at Lyon to develop.

"It is logical that clubs are watching him. We are talking about a great player and he has a great future in front of him," he told Sport. "But it is not a question of money. It is easier than that. It is a question of feelings.

"Karim Benzema wants to be at Lyon because he feels the club and this is his home. That has nothing to do with a figure of money.

"He has a long career ahead of him and I think he will star in the 2010 World Cup finals. He is growing fast and we are very happy with him. He has helped us a lot and is a reference point in the team.

"What I can assure everyone is that Benzema will be at Lyon next season. From what I know, I think he will be here for the next two years.

"He wants to stay here because this is where he has grown up and he wants to see Lyon grow stronger. He has the same ambitions as the club and wants to be a champion.

"It is good that major clubs are watching a player that Lyon has brought through. It means that we are doing the right things, but there will be no short-term gains made."