Transfer News: Hernandez to make a Old Trafford return?

Could Benzema be set for a Bernabeu exit?

Due to the poor form of Mario Balotelli and the absence of Daniel Sturridge, it looks like Liverpool could be set to bolster their attack. According to the Daily Mirror, Liverpool are set to place a £38m bid for Real Madrid forward, Karim Benzema. The Frenchman has been in great form for Madrid this season, with 14 goals under his belt and several assists. Considering that Benzema moved to Real for £30m back in 2009, and Liverpool are in desperate need of a striker, I think that Real will demand more than the £38m offer for the French international. This is also because Benzema is Real Madrid's only natural striker apart from Javier Hernandez, and with him being set for a Old Trafford return, Madrid will certainly not want to offload their main striker for a cheap price. I think that the signing of Benzema could be a turning point in Liverpool's season. What they have lacked is a consistent, reliable forward that can not only score goals, but create them too, and the signing of Benzema will fulfill these aspects.

Reports from the Daily Express show that Chelsea have offered £23m for Fiorentina's Jean Cuadrado. Although Jose Mourinho has recently said that he is 'happy' with his current Chelsea squad, it is understood that the Blues have shown great interest in the Fiorentina winger. Cuadrado, who shone in in last years World Cup for Colombia is a tricky, pacey and versatile winger. There are rumours that if Cuadrado does join Chelsea, then Fiorentina boss Vincenzo Montella will leave the club. This shows how influental Cuadrado is for Fiorentina, which may mean that Chelsea may have to up their bids if they really want the creative Colombian. Chelsea have turned to Shakhtar Dontesk's Douglas Costa as a backup plan if this deal does not go through, but that deal also looks wayward as Donetsk demand £30m where as Chelsea have only offered £20m.