Real Madrid ‘reserving No9 for Harry Kane’ as Spanish papers say goodbye to Karim Benzema after emotional final game

REAL MADRID are reserving their No9 shirt for Harry Kane, according to reports in Spain.

The LaLiga giants waved goodbye to Karim Benzema yesterday after 14 years of service.

The Frenchman, who is set to join Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, leaves a huge gap at Santiago Bernabeu – which club chiefs hope to fill with Kane.

According to , the Tottenham striker is “undoubtedly” Real Madrid‘s first choice target to replace Benzema.

They add that Real will keep their former forward’s No9 shirt vacant in the hope that Kane will soon fill it.

It’s also claimed that initial contact has been made between Carlo Ancelotti’s side and Spurs, as well as Kane’s entourage.

Ancelotti is believed to have asked for the signing of Kane to be made a “priority” by club chiefs.

SunSport revealed last week that Kane’s priority is to stay in England, as he eyes up Alan Shearer’s all-time goalscoring record.

But Madrid chiefs believe that they can change his mind.

Kane has one year remaining on his Tottenham contract, and could opt to run his deal down, should he fail to get a move to Manchester United.

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The Spanish press have also gone big on saying their goodbyes to Benzema.

The 35-year-old scored a penalty with his final touch as a Real Madrid player against Athletic Bilbao at the weekend, before being substituted to a rapturous ovation.

He scored 354 goals in 648 appearances for Real in total, helping them to five Champions Leagues and earning the Ballon d’Or last year.

Benzema waved goodbye to his loving public in Madrid, and is reportedly set to move to the Saudi Pro League on a staggering £342million two-year contract.

In addition to his playing deal, Benzema is expected to receive extra fees to promote Saudi Arabia’s 2030 World Cup bid.