Liverpool face January fight for French international

Liverpool are the latest Premier League club to be linked with a January move for Karim Benzema.

The Real Madrid striker was heavily linked with a Santiago Bernabeu exit this summer, but after failing to secure a move it's now reported that Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson is keen to bring the player to Anfield.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is a known admirer of the player, having previously been linked with a move for the player both during his time at Lyon and Madrid.

The 22-year-old hitman made his name in Ligue 1, scoring 67 goals in all competitions and shining in the Champions League at the Stade de Gerland. Los Blancos would pay €35 million for his services in 2009, and despite a decent goalscoring record the forward has found himself on the periphery in La Liga.

Jose Mourinho's arrival has led to increased speculation about the Frenchman's future, and Spanish paper AS report that the 'Special One' would consider allowing the player to leave in order to fund his replacement.

The extent of Liverpool's interest in the player is currently unclear, although former Fulham boss Hodgson is keen to add another striker to the squad as partner to Fernando Torres.

Benzema has a couple of months to prove his worth for Madrid, and could make an exit when the transfer window re-opens in January as the two Premier League suitors take an interest in the situation.

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.