Karim Benzema has reportedly extended his contract with Real Madrid until the summer of 2024.
The 35-year-old's existing terms with Los Blancos are due to expire at the end of June, but it is understood that an agreement has been reached for him to spend another season in the Spanish capital.
Benzema has again been a vital player for Real Madrid this term, scoring 26 goals and registering six assists in 35 appearances in all competitions, but he has suffered with various muscular issues.
The Frenchman is widely expected to leave the Spanish and European champions on a free transfer at the end of next season, which will put Los Blancos in the market for a new centre-forward.
With that in mind, Sports Mole identifies three players who could be targeted by Real Madrid to replace their second-highest goalscorer of all time.
Erling Braut Haaland (Manchester City)
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Real Madrid's interest in Erling Braut Haaland is hardly breaking news, with Los Blancos believed to view the Norway international as the ideal replacement for Benzema.
Haaland is also said to be keen to represent Real Madrid at some stage during his career, but Manchester City will undoubtedly fight hard to keep the forward for as long as possible.
The 22-year-old is having a stunning first season with the Citizens, scoring 48 goals and registering six assists in 41 appearances in all competitions.
A £150m release clause that existed in Haaland's contract has allegedly been cancelled, while Man City are said to be preparing to open talks with the forward over a new long-term contract.
Real Madrid are unlikely to be deterred, though, and it would certainly not be a surprise to see them actively pursue Haaland in the summer of 2024.
Should the Norwegian win three trophies for Man City this season and enjoy more success next term, he might feel that it is time to move on, and Real Madrid would certainly be the favourites for his signature.
Rasmus Hojlund (Atalanta BC)
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Manchester United and Real Madrid are said to be the favourites for Rasmus Hojlund, who has impressed during his first season at Atalanta BC, scoring eight times and registering three assists in 28 appearances.
It would be some ask for the 20-year-old to replace Benzema, but with another season under his belt, he might be ready to make the step-up in the summer of 2024.
Hojlund scored 12 goals and registered four assists in 21 games for Sturm Graz ahead of this move to Atalanta, and he has also made a brilliant start to his international career, netting five goals in four appearances for Denmark.
The Dane is unproven at the very top level, but he has netted seven goals and registered three assists in 26 Serie A appearances this season, and his form has attracted the attention of a number of clubs.
Man United are believed to be keen to sign him this summer, though, so Real Madrid could miss out on a deal for the talented forward unless they are prepared to compete for his services in the upcoming market.
Victor Osimhen (Napoli)
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Victor Osimhen has had an outstanding season for Napoli, finding the back of the net on 26 occasions in 31 appearances in all competitions, contributing five assists in the process.
The 24-year-old has 21 Serie A goals to his name this season, with the Naples giants sitting 14 points clear of second-placed Lazio at the top of the table.
Osimhen has also netted five Champions League goals this term, but he could not help his side overcome AC Milan in the quarter-finals of the competition despite scoring in the second leg.
There is currently a host of speculation surrounding the Nigeria international's future, with Man United and Chelsea believed to be keen on signing him this summer.
Napoli are said to value Osimhen in excess of £100m, though, and it would not be a surprise to see him remain in Italy for another season, potentially opening up a big-money switch to Real Madrid in the summer of 2024.
Matt Law
