Barcelona director of football Txiki Begiristain admits the club tried to sign Karim Benzema in the summer.

The French striker has become one of Europe's hottest properties after a number of fine displays for both Lyon and his country.

He topped the Ligue 1 goalscoring charts last season, drawing attention from a host of big clubs.

Manchester United and Inter Milan are believed to be among his admirers, although he remains insistent that his immediate future remains at Lyon.

Barca tried to lure him away from Stade Gerland during the close-season but Begiristain has revealed that their advances were spurned by the player.

"We've tried to sign him several times but it's never been possible," Begiristain told the official website of the French football league.

"We tried this summer, but he wanted to stay at Lyon."

Despite failing with their initial attempt to take the 20-year-old to Spain, Barca insist Benzema remains a potential transfer target for the future.

"In the end it will be his decision," added Begiristain.

"We have excellent relations with both him and his club and we'll definitely keep in contact so that he knows we want him, and that he wants to come to us."