Luis Suarez Interest Reportedly Cooled by Real Madrid After Karim Benzema Stars

Real Madrid’s desire to sign Luis Suarez is fading after Karim Benzema rectified his recent poor form to give Carlo Ancelotti something to think about ahead of the January transfer window.

Benzema scored twice in his opening nine La Liga outings this season, per ESPN FC, but has netted four in his last three since being dropped for the Clasico defeat to Barcelona.

Suarez had been earmarked as the Frenchman’s replacement, according to Jack Wilson of the Daily Star, who claims Benzema was set to be offered in a swap deal. However, Wilson writes Madrid’s pursuit of the Liverpool striker is now off:

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Out-of-form Benzema had been hammered by Madrid fans this season and it was understood Real were open to letting him go …

Starsport exclusively revealed how Madrid were plotting a January move for Luis Suarez by offering them Benzema plus £20m.

But with Benzema back firing, their interest in Suarez is now set to cool.

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The likelihood is that, regardless of their interest, Madrid would not have been able to sign Suarez from Liverpool in January.

Brendan Rodgers is convinced the controversial forward is happy at Anfield and recently stated Suarez’s desire to help the Reds finish in the top four, per ESPN.

Liverpool are currently second in the Premier League, two points off top spot, and they would have a real argument for keeping their No. 7 even beyond the summer if they book Champions League football for next term.

Benzema would surely not appeal to the Merseysiders as a swap option. He carries a sulky demeanour and lacks Suarez’s movement, although the Madrid man has picked up his form of late.

He netted two against Sevilla before scoring in each of the wins over Rayo Vallecano and Real Sociedad, with Madrid averaging five goals across those three games.

Benzema is no doubt being helped by the return to fitness of Gareth Bale. La Liga defences are petrified of Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo on the flanks, which opens space down the middle of the park.

The goal record of Benzema is hard to criticise over recent seasons, posting figures of 29, 25 and 23 for club and country over the past three years.

However, the accusation can be made that he goes missing in big games, having scored only once in five appearances against Barcelona last season. He also failed to find the net in both league clashes against Madrid rivals Atletico, per Soccerbase.

Benzema will need to perform when the big occasion arrives this season, both domestically and in Europe, if Ancelotti is to categorically deem Suarez an unnecessary target.