Liverpool Transfer News: Karim Benzema Door Opened, Glen Johnson Quit Threat

Real Madrid are "prepared to listen to offers" for Karim Benzema, according to new reports.

Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United are said to be interested in acquiring the Frenchman's services, as reported by Jamie Anderson of the Express, who also indicates that Carlo Ancelotti "will pull the trigger" on a player he "isn't desperate to sell" if a significant offer is made.

Brendan Rodgers' hunt for a free-scoring striker continues after his forwards drew another blank in Saturday's 1-0 Premier League win over Stoke. Even so, a resurgent Rickie Lambert played his third consecutive 90 minutes for the club—due to Daniel Sturridge and Mario Balotelli suffering injuries—and once again contributed to the result.

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The Englishman's header cannoned off the bar before Glen Johnson bravely nodded home the rebound in the final minutes against the Potters. However, two goals in 13 combined appearances in the Premier League and Champions League, per WhoScored.com, suggests 32-year-old Lambert is only providing a short-term solution to Liverpool's post-Luis Suarez goalscoring troubles.

Balotelli is yet to net a league goal for the club and Sturridge's injury problems are so consistent that he can't be counted on. Benzema has 13 goals—not to mention six assists—in 16 displays in La Liga and Europe so far this season, per WhoScored.com.

He is a team player, someone who provides forward-thinking runs to open space for others and possesses the physicality to dominate in England.

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Martin Samuel of the Daily Mail believes Rodgers should have spent most of his summer budget on such a star player, rather than the many youngsters Liverpool secured:

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And the day that Suarez was sold to Barcelona, Liverpool should have trodden a similarly ambitious path, heading to Madrid to try it on with Karim Benzema. If not, back to Manchester and how about Sergio Aguero? It would have blown the kitty, yes. The move might have caused ructions, and maybe gone nowhere. But, if successful, they wouldn’t be in this trouble now.

"

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Johnson was an unlikely source to grab the winner against Stoke—he last netted a Premier League goal during the 2012-13 campaign—but the full-back understands the goal means little in relation to his future at the club.

Often criticised for poor form over the last couple of seasons, Johnson is under no illusions, reported by David Maddock of the Mirror:

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I’m not going to go crawling to anybody. They know where I am and they know the situation. First and foremost, I want to play for a club that wants me. It is as simple as that. I want to play my football—time goes very quick. 

I have enjoyed my time here—the majority of the six years. There have been some good times, some bad times. I have enjoyed my football, but if I haven’t got a contract, I can’t stay.

"

Johnson also confirmed that he is yet to be offered "anything" to remain at the club. He is free to sign a pre-contract elsewhere when January arrives, meaning his Reds future is likely to be decided in the next month. A run of excellent performances in Liverpool's eight fixtures before the new year may force Rodgers' hand, particularly if a costly move for someone like Benzema is to be sanctioned.

Former Liverpool striker Stan Collymore told Bleacher Report's Ryan Bailey exactly what Liverpool need to address during the January transfer window:

A move for Benzema, however, remains unlikely. Even if Madrid opt to sell, the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United are capable of offering greater terms right now. That said, Rodgers needs to filter his ambition to one or two signings when he is next given the chance to strengthen his squad.

Liverpool's expectations were accelerated after last season's terrific run to second, something the manager and board needed to capitalise on with a statement arrival. Such an acquisition could still rescue their season and aid the club's chances of closing the current five-point gap to the Champions League spots.