Karim Benzema's Real Madrid exit could hand Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer a boost in his hopes of remaining the Premier League's all time top goalscorer.
That's because the French international's departure has opened the door to a possible move for Tottenham Hotspur forward Harry Kane, with Bet 365 offering odds of just 6/4 for the England captain to make the move to the Spanish capital this summer.
Kane, who has one year remaining on his current Tottenham deal and has been linked with moves to Manchester United and Bayern Munich as his wait to win any major silverware goes on.
READ MORE: Newcastle take next step in Ashworth masterplan with new recruit to target key transfer market
The 29-year-old is currently 47 goals shy of Shearer's longstanding 260 goal record, with many expecting Kane to smash that record if he remains in the Premier League.
But Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is thought to be a big fan of the forward and after Benzema's exit was confirmed this morning, it is thought the current European champions could go big to replace him with Kane, which would see Shearer hold on to his record for a while longer yet.
Confirming Benzema's departure in a statement earlier today, Los Blancos said: "Real Madrid Football Club and our captain Karim Benzema have agreed to bring his brilliant and unforgettable time as a player at our club to a close.
"Real Madrid would like to show our gratitude and affection to a player who is already one of our greatest legends.
"Karim Benzema joined our club in 2009, at just 21 years of age, and has been a fundamental player in this golden age of our history. During the fourteen seasons in which he has represented our badge and our shirt, he has won 25 titles, a record number for any Real Madrid player: 5 European Cups, 5 Club World Cups, 4 European Super Cups, 4 Leagues, 3 King's Cups and 4 Spanish Super Cups.
"Karim Benzema is the current UEFA Ballon d'Or and UEFA Player of the Year, as well as being included in the FIFA FIFPRO XI and winning the Pichichi Trophy 2022. Awards received after one of the most extraordinary seasons in our history, especially in the Champions League, in which our captain played some memorable matches that contributed to Real Madrid winning their 14th European Cup in Paris, being the top scorer of the competition with 15 goals.
"Karim Benzema is the fifth player who has worn our shirt the most times with 647 appearances, and is Real Madrid's second all-time top scorer with 353 goals. He is also Real Madrid's second all-time top scorer in both La Liga and the European Cup. He is also the fourth top scorer in the history of the Champions League and the fourth top scorer in the history of La Liga.
"Karim Benzema's career at Real Madrid has been a shining example of conduct and professionalism, and he has represented the values of our club. Karim Benzema has earned the right to decide his future.
"Madridistas and all the fans all over the world alike have enjoyed his magical and unique football, which has made him one of the great icons of our club and one of the great legends of world football.
"Real Madrid is and always will be his home, and we wish him and all his family all the best in this new stage of his life.- Next Tuesday 6 June, at 12:00pm (CEST), an institutional act of homage and farewell to Karim Benzema will take place at Real Madrid Sport City, which will be attended by our president, Florentino Pérez."
READ NEXT
- Newcastle transfer target Dominik Szoboszlai enjoys potential swansong as 'important bids' loom
- Newcastle send out statement to Gary Neville as transfer targets get glimpse of brutal sessions
- Early Newcastle United odds released with predictions on title battle and top-four race
- Gary Lineker reveals Newcastle legend Alan Shearer left him in tears in taxi with top gesture
- Newcastle already have ideal partner for transfer targets after Shearer's 'biggest compliment'
