Liverpool prepared to pay £40m to land Karim Benzema from Real Madrid in summer

Liverpool have reportedly been handed a boost in their pursuit of Real Madrid striker Karin Benzema.

According to the Liverpool Echo, the 10-time European Champions are willing to let the striker leave during the summer. But it will require the Reds to pay around £40m to bring the striker to Anfield.

Brendan Rodgers is desperate to strengthen his striker force after seeing summer arrivals Mario Balotelli and Rickie Lambert struggling to find the back of the net. The former is yet to score a goal for Liverpool in the Premier League.

Benzema is reportedly keen to come to England, as he is frustrated under Carlo Ancelotti. But Real are only willing to let him leave if interested clubs can match their £40m valuation.

The Spanish capital club are looking to replace the Frenchman with Paris Saint-Germain forward Edinson Cavani. The Uruguayan forward has reportedly had a fall out with manager Laurent Blanc and is keen to secure a move away from the club.

The 27-year-old Real forward has been in impressive form for his club in recent seasons, and has already scored eight goals and provided the same number of assists in 16 league games.

This is not the first time that Benzema has been linked with a move to the Premier League, and apart from Liverpool, rivals Arsenal and Manchester United have also been credited with interest in signing the striker.

Arsene Wenger is a big admirer of the former Lyon striker and has tried to sign him in the past, and could rival the Reds in the summer if the striker becomes available.

Rodgers was very keen to add to his offensive during this window, and was negotiating with Lille to cut short striker Divock Origi's loan and bring him to Anfied in January, but the manager has backtracked and is now willing to wait until the summer to make new additions.