Liverpool are hopeful of making a move for Karim Benzema in the near future, despite the fact that the French international has recently signed a new deal with Real Madrid that will see him stay at the club until 2019, as reported by the Daily Express.

He agreed a new deal with the Champions League winners in August, but fans of the club have continued to criticise him heading into the new season, saying that his goalscoring return has not been good enough as of yet.

Despite having aided Real’s Champions League win, which saw them achieve a much coveted tenth European crown, Benzema is thought to have suffered a significant dip in form.

He has also scored two thus far this season, but that has not saved him from criticism.

Reports in Spain now suggest that Liverpool are hopeful of landing the striker, who they were heavily linked to during the recent transfer window, next summer, despite his new deal.

Benzema moved to Real from Lyon in 2009 for €41 million (£32 million).

Arsenal turned down an opportunity to bring Micah Richards to the Emirates Stadium this summer from Manchester City, as reported by Talksport.

After the sale of Thomas Vermaelen to Barcelona for £15 million in August left Arsenal with only two recognised central defenders, Arsene Wenger was on the lookout for a defensive addition, and Man City product Richards was available for a move.

Despite French manager Wenger being alerted to his availability, the Arsenal boss decided against making a move for the central defender, who has found first team opportunities significantly limited since the appointment of Manuel Pellegrini at City last summer.

Richards eventually moved to Serie A side Fiorentina on loan for the rest of the season on deadline day, with Arsenal instead choosing to sign Calum Chambers from Southampton for £16 million.

Chambers has impressed considerably since the move, but it will be wondered whether Richards could have added another, more secure, option to Arsenal’s defence.

Edin Dzeko has reportedly agreed a new contract with Manchester City, extending his current deal until 2018, as reported by Goal.com.

This will not increase his wage, which stands at £150,000 a week currently.

Dzeko worked his way into Manuel Pellegrini’s plans last season after Sergio Aguero and Alvaro Negredo suffered injuries.

An announcement regarding the new deal is expected to take place shortly before the new season starts.

The Bosnian international began just 16 games under Roberto Mancini during the 2012-13 campaign, seemingly on the cusp of leaving City.

Both Inter Milan and Borussia Dortmund looked into his availability, but when they realised he was not available, they moved for other targets.

Pellegrini turned to Dzeko last season and was roundly rewarded for his faith. The gigantic striker began 23 league games, an increase of seven on those he started under Mancini, and scored 26 goals in all competitions to cap an impressive season, one which saw City win the league.