Benzema happy at Real Madrid amid exit talk

Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema has insisted he is happy at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu despite ongoing reports linking him with summer moves to Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain.

The France international, 26, could be handed a new deal at the club in the coming weeks after regaining top form this season.

Arsenal, Liverpool and PSG are among the top European clubs interested in the 26-year-old ace, who has bagged 14 goals and six assists in 24 La Liga appearances in 2013/14.

“I am happy here. I only think of Real Madrid and I consider that this could be my big year,” Benzema told Marca.

Last season, Benzema was the subject of booes and jeers at the Bernabéu but the former Olympique Lyonnais star has won over the club’s supporters this term, and rightfully so.

“For me it was very hard to hear cries from the grounds in the Bernabeu but I have matured and now the situation is different,” he added.

“The support from Zidane was key for my morale recovery.”

Benzema’s form has kept highly-rated Spain youth international Álvaro Morata on the bench but has not stopped Jesé Rodríguez from forcing his way into Los Blancos’ first-team.

Jesé, 20, has been on an absolute tear of late, netting five goals in his last seven appearances in all competitions.

The 20-year-old has earned rave reviews from critics while Gareth Bale continues to regain his match sharpness after an injury-ridden start to his career in the Spanish capital.

Jesé — priced at 11/10 to score at anytime in the UEFA Champions League clash against FC Schalke 04 in midweek — has totaled eight goals and four assists in 27 competitive matches, albeit just 11 starts, for Real Madrid this season.

Joleon Lescott could move abroad

Manchester City centre-back Joleon Lescott has failed to rule out a potential move abroad, with Turkish Süper Lig Beşiktaş reportedly keen to bring in the England international.

Lescott, whose current contract at the Etihad Stadium expires at the end of the season, joined City from Everton in a big-money deal believed to be worth around £22 million in August 2009.

The 31-year-old has been trying to impress potential suitors with each of his performances this season and recent reports have suggested Fulham, Newcastle United and West Ham United wanted to sign him in January.

Beşiktaş were also in talks with City for Lescott last month but no deal materialised.

“My days at City are numbered but there is no bad feeling. I’ve known for a while but there is no resentment,” said Lescott.

“I know my contract won’t be renewed, so every performance I’ve put in this season has been like being in the shop window.

“Hopefully someone is watching and wants to sign me.

“I wouldn’t rule out a move a move abroad. I need to weigh up my options and see what is best for me and my family.”

Lescott has been surplus to requirements under manager Manuel Pellegrini in 2013/14, with the Spaniard favouring the likes of Martín Demichelis and Matija Nastasić.