Marca is reporting the Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema is set to extend his contract at the Bernabeu before the new season begins.

Currently in his ninth season with the Whites, the Frenchman is a crucial element in a Real Madrid forward line that includes Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo and Welsh international Gareth Bale.

With speculation growing surrounding the arrival of French sensation Kylian Mbappe from AS Monaco this summer, coach Zinedine Zidane realises the task of rotating the squad won’t be that easy.

The contract extension for Benzema until 2021 or 2022, will therefore mean that Benzema won’t be sacrificed for Mbappe’s switch.

Benzema is currently in the United States with the squad for pre-season and also took part in the games against Manchester United and Manchester City.