Liverpool Transfer News: Karim Benzema Blow Dealt by Cristiano Ronaldo

It has been five years since Cristiano Ronaldo was a direct rival of Liverpool fans, but the former Manchester United man could soon irritate the Merseyside masses once more with his comments over potential target Karim Benzema.

Liverpool are said to be preparing a £38 million bid for the Real Madrid striker, per Chisanga Malata of the Daily Star.

However, Benzema's importance to Los Blancos has been played up by Ronaldo, who recently netted his third hat-trick in four games alongside the Frenchman.

"Benzema is the best striker in La Liga for me and one of the best in the world," said Ronaldo, as reported by Madrid's official website. "He deserves it [success] and we're very happy with him."

CR7 also made a point of calling Benzema a "team player," suggesting he is pivotal to the attacking form which has seen Madrid score 27 goals in their last six games.

Alberto Saiz/Associated Press

Ronaldo's input could be significant when determining Benzema's future. He recently bemoaned Madrid's decision to sell Angel Di Maria and Xabi Alonso, two key players along their run to La Decima. His comments on Benzema suggest similar frustrations would be felt if he were to leave.

Florentino Perez may be wary of irritating Ronaldo in the current climate. The Portuguese star is being linked with a return to United, per Sky Sports, and he could push his move along if another of his revered team-mates is sold.

Carlo Ancelotti recently called Benzema "a very complete and very important player for us," per Tom Conn of Inside Spanish Football. He could also grow frustrated after failing to sanction Di Maria's sale, per Anthony Chapman of the Daily Express.

Perez likes to chop and change by bringing in fashionable stars—those who enjoy a surge of popularity without necessarily outweighing the talent Madrid have on board—meaning someone of Benzema's divisive style could be the next victim.

Denis Doyle/Getty Images

James Rodriguez is a perfect example of this in motion. While a quality player, his showings at the World Cup saw him gain prominence over Di Maria, leading Perez to discard one of his most effective players for a youngster who will need to work avidly to replicate the Argentinian's quality on a consistent level.

Toni Kroos doesn't offer greater quality than Alonso, but his recent popularity makes him a profitable acquisition.

As such, it's entirely likely Perez could ignore Ronaldo. If Benzema is to be sold, only the Madrid president has the power to sanction it. Ronaldo's quotes will weigh in the minds of supporters and could see Benzema gain greater support, although he is often determined to be the poor link in an attacking trident that places him alongside Ronaldo and Gareth Bale.

Brendan Rodgers could certainly use attacking reinforcements. Mario Balotelli and Rickie Lambert are yet to impress in a Liverpool shirt, meaning someone of Benzema's quality could ramp up the club's chances of qualifying for next season's Champions League.

The Liverpool boss is said to be circling Lazio youngster Keita Balde Diao once more, as reported by John Cross of the Daily Mirror. Keita has started just two Serie A matches this season, and he could have his original £24 million price tag lowered to £15 million, according to Cross. Although still expensive for a relatively unproven forward, Rodgers is the type of manager to get the best out of the Spaniard.

Many will argue that Liverpool already possess too many developing talents. Most of Rodgers' summer signings need to dramatically improve, and many are years away from their prime. Liverpool are crying out for a striker who can work avidly alongside Daniel Sturridge and Raheem Sterling—someone who has nothing to prove—making Benzema a smart choice.

Denis Doyle/Getty Images

This transfer will remain something of a pipe dream if Ronaldo is able to influence proceedings, however. Perez's potential decision to sell Benzema would break up arguably the greatest attacking trio in world football, which could have more significant ramifications for Ronaldo's Premier League return.

Liverpool fans would be kicking themselves if Ronaldo kicked up a fuss and headed back to Old Trafford, such is the potential merry-go-round of Europe's elite.

Stats via WhoScored.com unless otherwise noted.