Liverpool Transfer News: Mathew Ryan Rumours, Christian Benteke Move Ruled out

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is again looking to Belgian sources for January recruitment, as it emerges Club Brugge No. 1 Mathew Ryan is open to a Merseyside move, but Christian Benteke won't be following.

The agent of Australia international Ryan, Mikkel Beck, has said Liverpool are yet to make a bid for his client's services, but a summer switch to Anfield would appeal, according to Goal (h/t Daily Star's Alex Harris):

"

I have read the reports that Liverpool are watching Mat, but I am unaware of concrete interest from them. Of course it does not surprise me that such big clubs are interested in Mat because he is such an outstanding talent.

Playing in the Premier League would be of interest to Mat as it is one of the best leagues in the world and knowing how ambitious Mat is it is the kind of league he would like to play in.  

We just re-signed a new contract at Brugge and Mat is very happy there and is part of an ambitious project where he feels he can progress.

A move is unlikely this month as Mat is away at the Asian Cup and is fully focused on doing well for Australia. We will sit down in the summer and talk about things and if there is something concrete and something special that comes up we will consider it.

"

Simon Mignolet's position as Rodgers' No. 1 has come under fire this season, with Brad Jones deposing the Belgian international in the No. 1 role for a time.

Former Central Coast Mariners starlet Ryan is flattered to be associated with such a high-profile move, too, as shown by the official 101GreatGoals YouTube account:

Despite being just 22 years of age, Ryan—twice voted the best goalkeeper in Belgium's Pro League—has already accumulated 16 caps for the Socceroos and featured for Ange Postecoglou's side at last year's World Cup.

There was serious doubt in Mignolet's ability following a string of errors in quick succession this term, but as Betway illustrates, he sits level on terms with the Premier League's best in terms of clean sheets:

What's more, with Liverpool showing improved form of late, the former Sunderland star also appears to be reviving some of his better form, according to This Is Anfield:

While the comments of both Ryan and his agent would suggest a deal could be cut, Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has given the Reds no such hope in their pursuit of Benteke.

Speaking to the Daily Mail (h/t Alex Rea of the Liverpool Echo), Lambert proclaimed the Villans are in no need of a sale and have Benteke at the front of their plans:

"No chance. Listen, there is no way and I am pretty sure Randy [Villa owner Randy Lerner] will be totally fine. Christian has been my biggest signing and he was millions of Euros. Now he is probably, on his game, one of the best strikers in Europe."

Matthew Lewis/Getty Images

An Achilles injury at the start of the 2014-15 season, along with the red card picked up against Tottenham Hotspur in November, has seen Benteke limited to just 13 league appearances this season, scoring twice.

On form, the Belgian front man is hardly the kind of asset one might expect the Reds to splurge on as they continue their search for a prolific goal threat up front.

The Liverpool Echo's Neil Jones recently revealed the club are yet to receive any loan offers for the misfiring Mario Balotelli, increasing the likelihood he'll remain at Anfield, which may see no striker reserves added this winter.

Paris Saint-Germain forward Ezequiel Lavezzi is one of those to become linked with a move to Merseyside this winter, according to The Telegraph, and Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe has discussed the potential impact of his arrival:

Lambert is arguably correct in stating that, at his best, Benteke sits as one of the most dangerous strikers on the continent. The trouble is, injuries and other factors have failed to promote that form all too often.

With Daniel Sturridge's return to action creeping ever so gradually within sight, the Reds await the return of their most talented forward but may have to wait until summer for any reinforcements.