Spanish giants Real Madrid insist they have no plans to sell under-fire France forward Karim Benzema.

The former Lyon ace joined Real in the summer of 2009 on a six-year contract, although he is yet to fully establish himself.

Reports in England recently suggested Benzema could leave the club in January after struggling to start in his favoured centre forward position under new manager Jose Mourinho.

Real's sporting director Miguel Pardeza believes the hugely-respected Portuguese tactician is happy with Benzema's displays but feels he can give even more.

Pardeza said Mourinho is "generally" pleased with Benzema's performances "but he also tells us that he thinks the player can give us much more."

"But we have time, you have to be patient and we continue to back the player. The idea of selling Benzema is not on the agenda," Pardeza added.

"I'm not despairing. I expect he will triumph at Real Madrid."

Meanwhile, Pardeza says Real would be happy allowing legend Zinedine Zidane join the club's coaching staff, as per Mourinho's request.

Zidane, a former Real player who has since June 2009 been a special advisor to Real president Florentino Perez, retired from football after his fifth season with Real in 2006.

"Someone like Zidane is never out of place," Pardeza told AS. "He is a world reference and a myth for Real Madrid fans.

"If in the end he accepts Mourinho's suggestion, it would be welcome."