Sir Alex Ferguson made no attempt to hide his interest in Karim Benzema when Manchester United played Lyons in the Champions League last week, but that flattery is unlikely to get him anywhere after the 20-year-old forward indicated that he plans to stay in France next season and perhaps to move to Italy thereafter.

The United manager has rarely been so gushing in his praise of an opposition player both before and after Benzema scored for Lyons in their 1-1 draw with United at the Stade Gerland, but, while Ferguson has registered his interest with Jean-Michel Aulas, the Lyons president, and with David Gill, the United chief executive, it appears that the player is cooler on the idea of a move to Old Trafford.

“I have a contract until 2012,” Benzema said. “There will be time to think about other clubs in the future. What is certain is that it will not be at the end of this season. I will play here next season. I am 20 years old and I have my future in front of me.” Pushed on whether he felt his style would be best suited to playing in Italy, Spain or England, Benzema said: “Perhaps in that order. I am only thinking about football. I am honoured that clubs such as Barcelona are interested in me, but I must follow the advice of the people around me. My only job is on the pitch.”

Ferguson might also be disappointed by the latest statement from Aulas, with whom he had dinner when the United manager attended Lyons’ 4-1 victory against Sochaux on February 9, in which Benzema scored.

“Karim stays at Lyons,” Aulas said yesterday. “Now the clubs who want him will become a little quieter. I don’t think anyone can match this figure [£70 million, the theoretical valuation he has put on the player].”

Dimitar Berbatov, the Tottenham Hotspur forward, would be among the alternative targets for United this summer. United scouts also watched Seville’s game against Real Zaragoza on Saturday, fuelling reports that they may be interested in LuÍs Fabiano, the Seville and Brazil forward, who is wanted by Manchester City.