Liverpool Transfer News: Brendan Rodgers Seeks Funds Amid Karim Benzema Talk

Brendan Rodgers has confirmed he will raise the possibility of strengthening Liverpool's squad in January after the English club crashed out of the Champions League.

The Reds needed three points against Basel to stride into the knockout stages, but they were undone with a disappointing 1-1 draw. Rodgers knows improvements are needed, but he suggests the hefty summer spend could limit Liverpool's chances of capturing expensive talent, as reported by Chisanga Malata of the Daily Star:

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The possibility of January signings is something to discuss with the owners, but there was a big investment in the summer. We have been unlucky with injuries to key players who are important to the way that we play, but that is to take nothing away from the players tonight who have put everything into the game.

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The board's interest in spending may perk up with suggestions Real Madrid are ready to cash-in on Karim Benzema. Spanish journalist Manuel Esteban told La Goleada (h/t Ben Jefferson of the Daily Express) that Madrid "will not be hesitant" to sell if a "big bid" comes in.

He believes the Frenchman could be used as part of a plan to fund the signing of Sergio Aguero and Marco Reus. Both Benzema and Gareth Bale may be sacrificed, and the former could interest Liverpool, according to previous reports.

Rodgers' strikers have struggled for goals this season. Mario Balotelli is yet to score in the Premier League and has notched just two in cup competitions, while Rickie Lambert has also posted this total across all appearances. Daniel Sturridge grabbed one before his injury, but the Reds' attacking force is seriously diminished, per Squawka:

Benzema would restore formidable power to Rodgers' lineup. Although he doesn't possess the slippery elusiveness of Luis Suarez, the 26-year-old is an excellent hold-up player who could bring Liverpool's wingers into the game with increasing regularity. He is a smart finisher, highlighted by his three goals in two matches against Liverpool this season, and he provides intelligent runs ahead of Madrid's midfield.

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Liverpool produced a net spend of £36 million in the summer, so they would likely need to offload at least one player to purchase a world-class forward of Benzema's quality. The club's European participation ensures they are scrutinised by UEFA's Financial Fair Play rules, meaning the Fenway Sports Group must break even each season.

Martin Samuel of the Daily Mail believes Liverpool should have focused on bringing in established quality during the summer.

"The day that (Luis) Suarez was sold to Barcelona, Liverpool should have trodden a similarly ambitious path, heading to Madrid to try it on with Karim Benzema," he wrote last month.

However, Rodgers may be limited to minimal investment when the winter window opens. Spanish publication Fichajes (h/t Jamie Sanderson of the Metro) previously reported a loan move for Arsenal's Joel Campbell could go ahead. Arsene Wenger denied this after the Gunners' victory over Galatasaray on Tuesday, though.

"Campbell will stay with us," he said, per the club's official website.

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Cologne goalkeeper Timo Horn, linked to Liverpool by Simon Jones of the Daily Mail, has also inched closer to signing a new deal in Germany. "I have said it more than once: I am in talks with FC Cologne (regarding a new contract)," said Horn, per Jones. "I want to sign on with my club."

Liverpool's exit from the Champions League could impact the talent they attract. They aren't guaranteed to return at the first time of asking, either, as noted by B/R UK's Alex Dimond:

Benzema is unlikely to leave the Bernabeu for a club who aren't guaranteed top-level European football, a factor which may harm Rodgers' chances of building a consistently successful squad.

The club's owners have already invested handsomely, but as highlighted against Basel, they will need to deploy further funds to ensure Liverpool progress.