LFC RUMOUR MILL: Robben, Balotelli targetted; fears over Gerrard and Carragher; Arab interest wanes?

Rafa worried about Carragher and Gerrard contracts?

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has concerns over the contract situations of stalwarts Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher.

The News of the World says Benitez has been forced to delay talks due to the uncertainty surrounding his own future.

With both Gerrard and Carragher inside the final two years of their current deals, Benitez feels he no longer has authority to sanction talks.

Liverpool in for Robben?

Spanish radio has reported that Liverpool have been making enquiries about the availability of Real Madrid star Arjen Robben. Although neither the clubs nor the player have made any comments, it is not to be ignored.

Given Rafa Benitez's opinion of the winger this would be a shock move, although a move might be beneficial for all parties as Liverpool do appear to be lacking strength on the wings and Robben has expressed his dissatisfaction at his current club. However, the 24 year old is currently undergoing a medical for a thigh injury in Real Madrid's derby against Atletico Madrid, which is his sixth injury since he joined Real in August 2007. Perhaps a Liverpool signing for the injury prone star would be a poor decision. It is also unclear how such a move could be financed without selling a few players.

Liverpool in chase for Balotelli?

Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool are all currently chasing 18 year old Inter Milan striker Mario Balotelli to the tune of an £18.4million transfer fee. A signing would also cost the winner a minimum of £1.1million per year in wages, a sum that Balotelli is already earning at his current club.

The Italian hit-man remains under contract with his current club until 2014, so a sale may not be on the cards for a while, and doubtless Inter will want to cash in with a larger sum. The sale of one of Inter Milan's best assets seems unlikely to be made to Chelsea, given the sacking of Inter Milan's current manager Jose Mourinho by the Blues last year, and the suggestions in the Italian press that Balotelli isn't keen on a move to the Premier League.