Reds boosted in race for La Liga hotshot

Liverpool have received a boost in their alleged pursuit of Karim Benzema after Spurs appeared to rule themselves out of the race for the Frenchman.

Liverpool have been heavily linked with the 22-year-old Real Madrid striker, who reportedly wants out of the Bernabeu after failing to make an impression since his big-money move from Lyon in 2009.

Benzema scored for France against England at Wembley last week and his performance prompted ex-Liverpool favourite Jamie Redknapp to urge Anfield bosses to snap up unsettled hotshot.

"Liverpool need a striker and they should look no further than Karim Benzema," the former 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."

Tottenham have also been previously linked with a January raid for Benzema, however Spurs boss - and father of Jamie - Harry Redknapp admitted the France hitman was not on his radar.

"He's a good player, I like him, he looks a real talent.," Redknapp told talkSPORT. "But certainly we haven't made any enquires at all for him. There's definitely nothing going on there at the moment."

Benzema joined Real for around €30 million but could reportedly be available to Liverpool at closer to the €12 million mark.

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