Liverpool Transfer News: Latest on Mario Balotelli, Divock Origi, Karim Benzema

Barely a day goes by without Liverpool featuring heavily in the latest transfer news, and Monday has been no different with a raft of speculation regarding the Anfield club.

With Brendan Rodgers' side outside the Premier League's top 10 at present, the pressure for change is growing as we head toward January.

Goals have been at a premium, so it's no surprise to see the names of Divock Origi and Karim Benzema leading the latest headlines.

Napoli deny Balotelli interest

Mario Balotelli has been a major disappointment so far at Anfield, but Napoli are not about to end his Premier League nightmare, according to former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez.

Sky Sports journalist Pete O'Rourke tweeted the following quote from the Spanish coach:

Considering he only joined the Anfield side this summer, it is remarkable that such attention is already being given to the possibility of Balotelli leaving Liverpool this summer.

However, as shown by WhoScored.com's statistics, the 24-year-old Italian has endured a woeful start to life on Merseyside, finding the net just twice in 15 matches. None of those goals, meanwhile, have come in the Premier League.

Given the ongoing injury absence of Daniel Sturridge, it is a major concern for the Reds that Balotelli has been unable to grasp the opportunities that have come his way. He has been handed extended playing time and responsibility, yet too often has looked ill at ease in Liverpool's setup.

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For all his undoubted talent, Balotelli must come good at some point and consistently produce the kind of figures that will place him among the world's elite strikers.

For now, he will always be a consideration for a transfer so long as his price tag and wages outweigh his on-pitch contributions, as they have thus far at Anfield.

Divock Origi to join in January?

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Liverpool purchased live wire Belgian striker Origi in the summer only to loan the player back to former club Lille for the course of the 2014-15 season.

However, in his Liverpool Echo column, Mark Lawrenson believes he could move across the Channel soon:

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I was intrigued to read the comments from Divock Origi that he would be happy to move to Liverpool in the New Year. I’m not surprised. His current club Lille aren’t doing very well at the moment.

And his comments clearly tell us he believes he would have a chance of getting into the Liverpool first team this season. If I was Liverpool, I would investigate whether it was possible to take the teenager on in January.

"

Origi captured headlines this week with a goal in the colours of Belgium in European Championship qualifying but has been relatively disappointing for club side Lille this campaign.

Prominent French football writer and Lille supporter Andrew Gibney gave an indication of his current performance levels with the following tweet:

Liverpool, though, need attacking options, and when focused, Origi is certainly a talent whose pace would benefit the Reds. A January move, then, could well suit all parties.

Benzema a striking option?

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The Daily Star's Jonathan Green reports that Frenchman Karim Benzema is a player on Liverpool's radar for the January transfer window, citing sources in France and claiming the striker is unhappy with his club over their summer pursuit of Luis Suarez.

Benzema has been in terrific fettle for Real Madrid this campaign, scoring 11 goals already this season with Liverpool among those on the receiving end of his punishment. There is still a feeling, though, that he is undervalued in Madrid.

Securing Benzema's services would not be an easy task, with Arsenal also among those linked in the report. If available, he would have plentiful suitors.

Liverpool's season is in trouble, and they are in need of reinforcements if they are to avoid disaster in the league. The Real Madrid striker would be difficult, but he would be a real statement of continued intent.

In a side with the likes of Raheem Sterling and Philippe Coutinho supplying him, it is difficult to envisage the Frenchman not scoring goals.

Glen Johnson linked to Roma

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The Daily Star's Adrian Kajumba reports that right-back Glen Johnson could be the latest English full-back on his way to Italy, with the longtime international regular touted for a move to join Ashley Cole at Roma.

The report states that "Roma have made contact with Johnson's representatives to register their interest," with the Englishman's high-value contract set to expire this season.

Thus far, it appears there has been little suggestion of a renewal, as stated in the report, and Johnson will soon be free to consider other options.

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Liverpool, having secured Spanish youngster Javi Manquillo this past summer, will not be too worried about allowing their No. 2 to head to pastures new if it frees up some wages for new recruits.

Johnson, once considered a fine all-round player, has come in for much criticism over the past 18 months and, indeed, has lost his berth within the England setup to Southampton's Nathaniel Clyne, among others.

It is a move that, while surprising, makes much sense with Roma's Brazilian full-back Maicon quickly approaching the end of his career at the top of the game.