Man Utd-linked frontman Karim Benzema asks to LEAVE Al-Ittihad 'due to pressure' after being frozen out of Marcelo Gallardo's squad

After a surprise dip in form following his summer move to Al-Ittihad, the 36-year-old striker has been frozen out by manager Marcelo Gallardo. Benzema returned to training 17 days late from his winter break, which was attributed to a storm in Mauritius that left him stranded, but Gallardo is keeping him on the sidelines. Now, according to L'Equipe, Benzema has sought permission to leave Al-Ittihad, so that he can reignite his career elsewhere.

The Ballon d'Or winner was offered the chance to continue at a different club in Saudi Arabia with a loan transfer but the forward has reportedly knocked back the proposal. The Real Madrid legend remains adamant about leaving the Middle East and has insisted that he is “unable to give the best version of himself due to the pressure" as the scrutiny and criticism from fans and pundits have intensified since his move to the Gulf State - as L'Equipe adds.

Manchester United have been credited with an interest in the former French international, while Chelsea and Arsenal are also believed to be closely monitoring the situation in Riyadh. Ligue 1 outfit Lyon are also said to be interested in bringing Benzema back to the French league. However, there is no reported interest from Real Madrid in re-signing the striker.

Benzema is currently training alone after being omitted from the training trip to Dubai by Gallardo. He is the latest superstar to force a move away from the Saudi League after Jordan Henderson pushed for his exit from Al-Ettifaq, to return to Europe with Ajax, after failing to adapt to his new surroundings. It remains to be seen if Benzema follows in his footsteps and traces his way back to Europe.