Liverpool Transfer News: Karim Benzema and Dele Alli Deals Reportedly Struck

Brendan Rodgers is already on the prowl for new signings and is closing in on both Karim Benzema and Delle Alli when the January transfer window opens, according to reports.

Benzema needs no introduction. The Real Madrid star is said to be on Liverpool's radar for £38.8 million, a fee the Spanish giants would accept should it be offered, reported by Chisanga Malata of the Daily Star. Malata suggests the two clubs have worked hard to "agree" a deal, before saying Rodgers "has held talks with Real chiefs."

The French striker would represent a major signing for the Merseyside club, who have struggled for goals since Luis Suarez joined Barcelona. Liverpool have netted just seven goals in their last six matches across all competitions, having scored more than once in 90 minutes only against Champions League minnows Ludogorets.

More worryingly, the side have only netted multiple goals twice out of six Premier League matches, per WhoScored.com. This is a far cry from the team who put nine goals beyond Tottenham in two games last season, not to mention 4-0 and 5-1 wins over Everton and Arsenal respectively.

Fast starts have disappeared and tempo has become lethargic as the Reds' play continues to exude predictability. It's certainly understandable that Rodgers may wish to land a world-class striker, as Mario Balotelli and Rickie Lambert have just one goal between them this season. Daniel Sturridge's return certainly can't come quick enough for the struggling side.

Benzema is among the world's most well-rounded strikers. He offers a decent turn of speed, physical power and a keen eye for defence-splitting passes that has developed since he moved to the Bernabeu. Playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale allows the experienced forward to try things he previously wouldn't, making him increasingly important to the European champions.

Clint Hughes/Associated Press

He scored the winner against Ludogorets on Wednesday at a time where many onlookers were criticising his goal return, noted by AS:

Liverpool will face the player twice across the coming weeks. Madrid travel to Anfield on Oct. 22, followed by a return trip on Nov. 4, meaning Rodgers can certainly make his intentions known if he plans on bringing the Frenchman in. It wouldn't be beyond Benzema to put Liverpool to the sword, a situation which could increase his valuation.

Rodgers may be tempted to reinforce his midfield options instead and is said to be lining up an £8 million deal for Milton Keynes Dons star Dele Alli, reported by Anthony Chapman of the Express. Ali has scored six goals in nine League 1 appearances this season, per WhoScored.com, and was instrumental in slaying Manchester United during the 4-0 Capital One Cup victory. 

The 18-year-old has certainly risen to prominence this campaign after flitting in and out of the team across the last two years. Liverpool have reportedly been tracking his progress since January and may finally make a move for the player due to his current bout of fine form. Arsenal, Chelsea and United are said to be lurking by Chapman, meaning it may be wise to confirm a deal soon.

MK Dons manager Karl Robinson knows a big club will come calling, saying, "It's inevitable that there will be a time when we will have to let him go, whether that be in January, next summer or whenever," per Chapman.

Alli should be considered a signing for the future if he does come, as it's likely he would be loaned back to his current side for the remainder of the campaign. Rodgers may wish to share a full pre-season with the player before bedding him into the senior squad. He is an energetic, technically gifted midfielder whose eye for goal is becoming more apparent with every first-team performance.

Rodgers will be wary of bringing too many new faces into the squad this January, particularly as his summer signings have largely failed to impress.

The likes of Balotelli, Adam Lallana and Lazar Markovic need to pick their game up if Liverpool are to qualify for next season's Champions League, as replicating last year's second-place Premier League finish already seems unlikely.

Benzema would certainly aid this and is the type of player who could form an excellent partnership with Sturridge. Rodgers needs to be careful when identifying targets now Liverpool are being investigated for a potential breach of UEFA's Financial Fair Play rules, per talkSPORT, meaning spending a potential club-record fee on Benzema could become an unrealistic development.