"In the end it will be his decision. We have excellent relations with both him and his club and we'll definitely keep in contact so that he knows we want him, and that he wants to come to us," added the former Blaugrana player.

'A striker goalkeepers hate'

Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes was also glowing in his praise of the 20-year-old: "He's ultra-fast and doesn't hesitate for a second in front of goal. He's exactly the type of striker that goalkeepers hate. But he has all the qualities needed to play in Spain."

Any attempt by Barcelona to sign the France ace will face stiff competition from other European giants, such as Manchester United and Inter Milan.

'Top, top, top!'

Martin Ferguson, head of recruitment at Manchester United revealed the club has been following the Lyon striker for three seasons: "He's a powerful striker and reminds me of Zidane. He's cunning like him, a great football brain and a born striker."

While new Inter boss José Mourinho is apparently equally taken: "Benzema? Top, top, top! He's already a star."

>>QUICK LINK: Karim Benzema