Liverpool are moving to trump Manchester United for troubled Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema.

The former Lyon star has failed to settle in Madrid this and been engulfed by troubles off the pitch in his native France.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is a big admirer of Benzema, but Reds rival Rafa Benitez has stolen a march on him by opening serious transfer talks with Real Madrid this week.

Benitez is taking interest in an imminent clear-out at the Bernabeu that will include Rafael Van der Vaart, Lassana Diarra, Benzema, Christoph Metzelder and Royston Drenthe.

Liverpool took the opportunity of travelling to Madrid to hold talks with Real officials about available players and Benitez is believed to have singled out Van der Vaart and Benzema as potential targets.