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Lyon said on Wednesday that it has received a bid for striker Karim Benzema, but the French club refused to confirm reports that the offer had come from Real Madrid.

Spanish media reported that Madrid had signed Benzema for $35 million ($50 million) and would confirm the 21-year-old France international''s arrival later Wednesday.

"We have received an offer markedly higher than the figure mentioned, but nothing proves that it has come from Real Madrid,'''' Lyon''s director of communications Olivier Blanc told the Web site of sports daily L''Equipe on Wednesday. "There is no deal in place with anybody.''''

Manchester United are also said to be interested in signing Benzema. The Spanish club did not comment on the reports. Madrid has already bought midfielder Kaka from AC Milan, winger Cristiano Ronaldo from United and defender Raul Albiol from Valencia.

Madrid spent a record 80 million pounds ($94 million; $131 million) on Ronaldo. Florentino Perez has vowed to make Madrid a successful club once again after returning to the presidency in June following a season without silverware and several off-field controversies.