Agent: Benzema not leaving Lyon

The agent of Lyon striker Karim Benzema insists his client will remain at the Stade Gerland this summer.


The France international has been attracting the attention of a host of leading European teams after a string of superb performances for Les Gones this campaign.


Spanish giants Barcelona are rumored to be among the frontrunners after their sporting director Txiki Begiristain was in Lyon for their Coupe de France clash with Metz earlier this week.


But Karim Djaziri claims the 20-year-old is happy to stay in France for the time being.


"Benzema is not going to leave Lyon," Djaziri told Spanish newspaper Marca.


"I know there is interest from a lot of clubs, but he is still young and he wants to continue in this team to get more experience.


"Next season he will continue to play for Lyon and then after we'll see."


Benzema signed a contract extension in March which ties him to the club until 2013, with an option for a further one-year extension.


And Djaziri says his client intends to honor his deal.


"Benzema doesn't want to leave and therefore we renewed his contract," he said.


"There is no clause which rescinds that, Benzema does not want to leave and Lyon do not want to sell."


On the rumored interest form Barca he added: "It's no secret that Karim likes Barca, nor should it be one that Txiki is following him.


"We've known each other for a long time and I can assure you that in his recent visit to Lyon he did not talk to Jean Michel Aulas nor Bernard Lacombe, president and sporting director respectively of Lyon, about any possible transfer."