Liverpool Transfer News: Joe Hart Reveals Frustrations, Latest on Karim Benzema

Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart has expressed his frustration at being left on the sidelines for the Sky Blues' last two outings, fueling speculation about his future at the club.

Liverpool are preparing to put in a bid for the England international in the January transfer window, according to Rob Shepherd in the Daily Mail.

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New City signing Willy Caballero was preferred between the posts for their 7-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday in the Capital One Cup, as well as Saturday’s 4-2 victory over Hull City.

Hart has revealed that he does not like being left out of the first team but understands that it is the manager's decision, per Sky Sports:

"

It is hard for me to see [any positives]. I am sure when I retire from football I will see them, but right now I am not going to see them. Of course I want to play every game, that is my nature, my professionalism. I am not the manager, just a player. I live by the decisions of the manager.

"

City boss Manuel Pellegrini also stated that a new contract for Hart—who has less than two years to run on his current deal—was not a pressing priority, per Jamie Jackson in The Guardian:

"Me and Joe know what [will] happen. It is important but not the most important thing now."

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Twenty-seven-year-old Hart has been at City since 2006 but may be open to a move to Anfield if he isn't assured of a starting spot and a long-term contract.

Brendan Rodgers' Reds have had a largely poor start to the Premier League season, particularly in defence, per BT Sport's Ian Darke, they have conceded nine goals in just league six games:

Current Anfield No. 1 Simon Mignolet faces little competition for his spot and Hart would likely be seen as a great improvement on the Belgian shot-stopper were he to make the switch to Merseyside.

Despite coming second in the English top flight last season, Liverpool conceded 50 goals, and their back-line strength does not seem to be improving, a problem Hart may well solve. 

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The Anfield outfit are also struggling up front in the absence of the departed Luis Suarez, with Real Madrid's Karim Benzema another reported January target of Rodgers.

As reported by Chisanga Malata in the Daily Star, Benzema has been a long-time Liverpool target, and the club is now prepared to go back in for the Frenchman in the new year.

The 26-year-old is undoubtedly a top-class player and arguably a better striker than both Mario Balotelli and Rickie Lambert—Rodgers' summer forward-line recruits.

However, Benzema only recently signed a new five-year deal with Real, meaning it will likely be incredibly expensive to pry him away from the Bernabeu.

Rodgers may well be inclined to spend big, though, as Liverpool have not looked strong thus far this term and could be much improved by the addition of someone of Benzema's quality.