Liverpool need to move fast to land £30 million star

Juventus are set to swoop for reported Liverpool and Arsenal target Karim Benzema.

According to Il Corriere dello Sport, the Italian giants will attempt to sign the Real Madrid striker on loan for the rest of the season in what would represent a blow to his Premier League suitors.

The 22-year-old joined Real from Lyon for around £30 million in 2009 but failed to live up to expectations during his first season at the Bernabeu.

His poor form had led to growing speculation that he would soon leave Spain and, despite a recent turnaround in fortunes for the France international in Madrid, it has been claimed he could still leave Los Blancos should their demands be met.

Liverpool and Arsenal are said to both be monitoring the Frenchman with a view to making a move in January and Real are reportedly willing to accept offers of around £15 million for his services.

A deal for Benzema could prove to be popular with the Liverpool faithful, and former Kop favourite Jamie Redknapp recently urged the Reds board to bring him to Anfield after he impressed for France against England.

"Liverpool need a striker and they should look no further than Karim Benzema," the ex-Liverpool midfielder wrote in the Daily Mail.

"He played this game like it was his personal audition. He's started only one league game for Real Madrid this season and we could all see last night that he is better than that. Benzema enjoyed his night and put on a bit of a show.

"The new Anfield owners have their first challenge: sign him."

But - along with Juventus - Liverpool will allegedly have to battle with with Arsenal in the race for Benzema after Mediaset reported he is the north London club's 'no.1 target'.

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