Liverpool Transfer News: Latest on Karim Benzema and Reds' Top Targets

Liverpool's quest to adequately replace Luis Suarez is set to continue. Despite signing Rickie Lambert and Mario Balotelli, or maybe because of those deals, the Reds are still pursuing strikers Karim Benzema and Keita Balde Diao.

The former has more pedigree as a member of Real Madrid's stunning forward line. Diao meanwhile, offers the greater potential.

Here's the latest on Liverpool's prospective moves for two more striking options, beginning with Benzema.

Benzema Price Set

The main detail of the Benzema story is still the £38.8 million fee Los Merengues have set for the French forward. That's according to Daily Star reporter Chisanga Malata:

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However, recent reports have suggested that Reds boss Brendan Rodgers has reignited his interest in the Real hit-man - who has scored 113 goals in 243 appearances for Los Blancos.

Sources in Spain claim that the northern Irishman has held talks with Real chiefs, and they have told the former Swansea boss that he can sign the Frenchman for £38.8m.

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The unnamed sources referenced by Malata are tough to pin down, but what is clear is that Benzema would represent a significant upgrade on Liverpool's current forwards.

The Frenchman is inconsistent but has a wonderful combination of size, physicality and technique. Benzema is a stylish and intelligent link player as well as a decisive finisher.

Those are all qualities that followed Suarez through the Anfield exit door when he left for FC Barcelona this summer. They are also attributes Balotelli has yet to demonstrate.

The Italian's sluggish form has prompted Rodgers to call for more, per Daily Mirror writer David Maddock:

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In terms of goals, Mario needs to improve. It is as simple as that.

Any striker is judged on his goals and the number of assists you make. At this moment he has not hit the numbers he will have wanted.

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But Rodgers denied Balotelli the chance to show that improvement by benching him for the club's recent 2-1 Premier League win over West Bromwich Albion, according to the London Evening Standard.

Jamie McDonald/Getty Images

Getting the best from Balotelli was always going to be a tough needle to thread for Rodgers. After all, every manager he's had has found it difficult.

It's certainly far too early to write Balotelli off. But the fact Rodgers and Liverpool are seriously inquiring about a striker of Benzema's reputation speaks volumes about Balotelli's early struggles.

The Price Drops for Diao

Balotelli's disappointing displays may not stop Liverpool from going back to Serie A for a new striker. The latest star from Italy's top flight on Rodgers' radar is precocious Lazio ace Diao.

His price tag has recently been lowered, according to Daily Express reporter Anthony Chapman:

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However, reports claim that the 19-year-old is now looking to leave in order to develop his career, with Liverpool still looking to sign him after being less than impressed with £16million man Mario Balotelli.

Lazio had originally told the Reds they wanted £24million for Diao, but it is understood they have lowered their asking price to just £15.5million.

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This is a strange rumour when considering Liverpool have already secured the signing of Divock Origi. The 19-year-old Belgian is currently on loan at Lille but is the budding young talent waiting to be unleashed in next season's attack.

Rodgers will need to freshen things up if veteran new boy Lambert continues to struggle. The 32-year-old failed to impress as the starting centre-forward against West Brom, per Paul Wilson of The Guardian:

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Rickie Lambert did not really step up to the plate as line leader in Balotelli’s absence, failing to connect with an early cross from Lallana, and too often finding his first touch letting him down. The former Southampton striker did bring the first save of the game from Ben Foster, midway through the first half, after neatly controlling a searching pass from Martin Skrtel, though – when he took too long over his next penalty-area opportunity, and saw the chance disappear – it was hard to see how Lambert was bringing any more mobility to the Liverpool attack than Balotelli.

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Adding Diao alongside Origi, Balotelli and Lambert would further crowd an already bloated position. That's especially relevant after Liverpool gave a new contract to Daniel Sturridge, per Liverpool Echo reporter James Pearce:

It's not a major surprise that Liverpool have struggled to fill the void created by the departure of Suarez. A player as prolific and creative is a rarity.

However, with a defence that still seems like a liability, the drop-off in Liverpool's attack is proving very costly this season. If Rodgers' current new boys continue struggling to make the grade, he'll have to look for alternatives.

Splashing the cash for Benzema could be the quickest route to making a success of life after Suarez.