The Aston Villa striker has emerged as the Reds' No.1 forward target this summer and Brendan Rodgers appears to be on the verge of finally landing the Belgium international
Jul 16, 2015 13:30:00
By Harry Sherlock
Liverpool are set to meet Christian Benteke’s £32.5 million release clause in the coming days, Goal understands.
The Reds have embarked on a major recruitment drive this summer but are seeking further reinforcements to their forward line, despite already signing Danny Ings from Burnley and welcoming Divock Origi into the fold following his loan spell at Lille.
Benteke has subsequently emerged as the Reds’ key target and, fresh from selling Raheem Sterling to Manchester City for £49m, Liverpool are set to table an offer that will trigger his buy-out clause.
Benteke will then be permitted to hold talks with the Reds ahead of a move, and securing the Belgian’s signature would represent something of a coup given rival interest in the 24-year-old.
Goal first revealed Brendan Rodgers' interest in April, while Chelsea had considered bidding before snapping up Radamel Falcao and, more recently, Manchester United were reported to have entered the race for his signature.
Instead it appears that Brendan Rodgers’ side are set to strengthen their ranks with the acquisition of the Aston Villa star, despite Tim Sherwood’s desire to retain his services.
"I think he stays," the Aston Villa boss, who could now move for Emmanuel Adebayor as Benteke's replacement, said on Tuesday. "I think Liverpool – I looked the other day – have six or seven strikers at the club.
"Now I'm not sure how many they actually need. We know Christian is a very good player and we want to keep hold of him.”
"Now I'm not sure how many they actually need. We know Christian is a very good player and we want to keep hold of him.”
Benteke scored 16 goals in 35 appearances in all competitions last season, overcoming injury to hit top form under Sherwood in the second half of a campaign which culminated in an FA Cup final appearance at Wembley, having overcome Liverpool in the semi-final.
Source: GM
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