Liverpool Transfer News: Latest on Karim Benzema and Fabian Delph Rumours

Liverpool could be on the verge of pulling off one of the greatest signings in the their history as rumours grow about the potential capture of Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema.

Reports from Spain (h/t Chisanga Malata of the Daily Star, via Lewis Rudd of Metro) claim the world-class striker might be on his way to Anfield as Reds manager Brendan Rodgers finalises a £38 million offer for the Galactico.

Rodgers is desperate to add to his strike force after the recent injuries to Daniel Sturridge and the complete failure of Mario Balotelli in Liverpool colours.

Scott Heppell/Associated Press

The Italian was dropped from the FA Cup squad against Bolton Wanderers on Saturday, with the Reds boss admitting Balotelli will not be picked until he improves, per Sky Sports:

"

I am judging it every day in training—Mario [Balotelli] is exactly the same as every other player, there is no special treatment for anyone.

Fabio Borini and Rickie Lambert are working tirelessly in training and when they go on they have contributed and young Jordan Rossiter, on the bench today, has been brilliant in training and I have to judge it on that.

If you want to contribute you have to be at it every single day in training in order to be in the squad on matchday.

"

Abdeljalil Bounhar/Associated Press

Benzema would be the perfect player to lead the Liverpool line, allowing Rodgers to dump Balotelli out of his squad permanently.

The French international has improved every season during his stay in the Spanish capital, and he played a major part in Los Blancos' Champions League La Decima success last term.

Benzema also shone for his country at the recent World Cup, and his goal record is once again highly credible in 2014-15.

He has hit 14 goals in 22 La Liga and European appearances for Madrid, per WhoScored.com, further proving his credentials as one of the world's top strikers.

Michel Euler/Associated Press

Rudd also confirms Liverpool are in the hunt for Lyon's Alexandre Lacazette and that Rodgers wants to team the strikers up to form a devastating attack which is capable of taking Liverpool back up the table.

But despite the rumours of Benzema's impending Madrid exit, super agent Jorge Mendes has hinted the player might stay with his club.

Mendes recently discussed the case of his player Radamel Falcao and hinted he will not find his way into the Galacticos squad due to Benzema's presence, per La Sexta (via Goal.com): "Falcao will play for one of the seven best [teams] in the world next, but Real Madrid have Benzema.”

Mendes' statement could be interpreted that the French attacker will not be moving any time soon—but the race is on to see if Liverpool can convince Benzema to join them.

Rui Vieira/Associated Press

One player who will not be joining the Anfield giants is Aston Villa midfielder Fabian Delph.

Delph had been a target of Rodgers during the January window, per the Daily Telegraph, but the midfielder has now signed a new contract with his current club, per avfc.co.uk (h/t BBC Sport).

Despite having the opportunity to join Liverpool, Delph was clear in his thinking when he spoke about his new deal, as quoted by the club's official website: "There was no way I was going to bail out. I am here for the long run. The fans have been the same [with me]. I am sure they will stick with us, help us get through this season and then looking into the future, it looks promising to me."

Christophe Ena/Associated Press

Delph would have been a strong but economical addition to Rodgers' setup, but Benzema is the player the manager really needs.

It is rare that a genuine world-class player comes up for transfer, and if Liverpool have the opportunity to grab the striker, they should make every effort to do so.

Benzema can replace the goals that are now missing after the departure of Luis Suarez, even though they are both very different kinds of attacker.

But Benzema will allow Raheem Sterling to once again play a more creative role in the team, giving Rodgers' side much needed balance.

It will be an incredibly hard job to purchase a player of Benzema's standing, but every now and then, dreams do come true.