Liverpool Transfer News: Assessing Latest Karim Benzema Real Madrid Exit Rumours

Real Madrid are "prepared to listen to offers" for Karim Benzema according to Metro. This is said to be a "major boost" for Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers, who has reportedly made signing a new striker his "main transfer priority" for the summer.

Metro's article cites Spanish sources for the information, with Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain outlined as the "most likely" destinations for the striker, who currently sits between Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale in Madrid's attacking three.

While it's likely Rodgers will scour the market for an additional goalscorer at the end of the season, it seems far-fetched to outline Benzema as a suitable candidate.

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This isn't down to his playing style or quality; Benzema's physical frame and ability to thread moves together would suit Liverpool well. He is powerful enough to hold the ball up and smart enough to spread play wide before moving into the box. Rodgers' 3-4-2-1 formation would give him space to operate in front of defences, as well as opportunities to burst into the box.

The former Lyon man works well when his attacking team-mates sprint beyond his position—something the likes of Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge could do at Anfield—but the cost involved and potential drop in silverware prospects will always render this rumour unlikely to come to fruition.

Manchester United's victory over the Reds perhaps adds to this feeling. Liverpool are now five points away from the Champions League places ahead of their upcoming trip to Arsenal. It's likely Rodgers' men need a victory at the Emirates Stadium to have any chance of keeping their top-four prospects alive.

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United still have to face Manchester City, Chelsea, Everton and Arsenal before the end of the season—four tough matches in which they are likely to drop points—but Liverpool need to bounce back from defeat quickly. Benzema is used to being a Champions League contender with Madrid, so only the most optimistic Liverpool supporters would suggest he would be willing to make the step down to aid their cause.

In January, Jamie Anderson of the Express noted that Benzema could be sold for up to £40 million, with United and Arsenal joining Liverpool on "red alert" for his services. Anderson cited reports in France when noting Madrid were "willing to listen to offers." Considering Metro's story, it seems little progress has been made in the last two months.

Liverpool spent close to £120 million during the summer trying to offset the loss of £75 million Luis Suarez. Rodgers opted for quantity and resisted the urge to secure a globally renowned striker as the Uruguayan's replacement. It may be difficult for the club to spend massively once more without risking the wrath of financial fair play, considering the side was recently under investigation, per BBC Sport.

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Mario Balotelli and Rickie Lambert have scored three Premier League goals between them this season, suggesting a major piece of Rodgers' puzzle has yet to be slotted in. Benzema could have been a smart alternative to Suarez. He is a different style of player so wouldn't be directly compared and could have provided the Reds with a new figurehead at a frustrating time.

B/R UK's Sam Tighe doesn't believe Benzema would make it into a dream Liverpool lineup for next season, though:

Ancelotti recently included Benzema in his list of untouchable players, saying that the "presence" of the so-called BBC in his lineup is "non-negotiable," reported by Ben Hayward of Goal. Benzema has 19 goals and 10 assists across La Liga and the Champions League this season, per WhoScored.com, so it's easy to see why.

The 27-year-old's excellent backheel assist set Ronaldo up for the equaliser during Madrid's loss to Barcelona on Sunday. Squawka highlighted the former's stats:

Hayward underlined the reaction of local fans:

Liverpool did extremely well to finish just short of the title last year. However, this season's battle for a Champions League place threatens to harm the long-term prospects of Rodgers' side. Stars such as Benzema would likely need to see continued progress and a regular presence in the Champions League before committing.

It's fair to say this remains a highly unlikely transfer story. Even if Madrid are ready to listen to bids, Liverpool face a number of obstacles. Other clubs could offer greater lures, both financial and in terms of silverware. That is perhaps why Rodgers didn't opt for a truly top-class striker signing last summer, which may have represented his best opportunity to do so.