Friday, October 10 2008 -- Spanish and European giants Real Madrid are reportedly hunting for the French international striker Karim Benzema as part of their summer build-up.

Benzema, who is only 20 years of age, is one of the top young strikers in Europe. He has developed at the youth academy of French giants and seven times running champions Olympique Lyonnais and burst into the scene last season.

Lyon president Jean Michel Aulas has reportedly told the player that he would be ready to let him leave at the end of this season. But it is expected that the toigh Aulas would listen to no offers less than 50 million euros for Benzema.

Real Madrid signed Malian international defensive midfielder Mahamadou Diarra from Lyon in the summer of 2006 for 26 million euros. Along with Real, the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea too have been speculated to be interested in the striker.

Real Madrid though are more keen as they look to start rebuilding their attacking department as both Ruud van Nistelrooy and Raul would be one more year into their 30s and coach Bernd Schuster is eager to recruit new and capable strikers.