Liverpool’s search for a striker continues, with reports suggesting that previously abandoned interest in Aston Villa‘s Christian Benteke has been renewed.
Despite interest in South American strikers Carlos Bacca and Salomon Rondon, Aston Villa centre-forward Christian Benteke remains Liverpool’s priority target, reports claim.
With the Reds turning their attention away from the Belgian in recent weeks, Benteke looked set to remain at Villa Park for another season.
But, according to David Maddock of the Mirror, Liverpool will now continue their pursuit.
“[Liverpool] are expected to return to Aston Villa within the next few days with a massive new offer for Christian Benteke,” Maddock writes.
“Boss Brendan Rodgers has had one bid of around £22 million rejected by the Midlands club, who insist they will not come to the table concerning the Belgium international until a release clause of £32.5 million is triggered.
“But Benteke has told his Villa Park bosses he won’t be signing a new contract to stay beyond the 24 months remaining on his current deal.”
He later states: “It is thought he will return [from holiday] next week to reiterate his desire for a move.”
Maddock suggests that Liverpool will bid over £25 million for Benteke, and look to satisfy a long-standing interest from Rodgers in the striker.
“Rodgers has long been a fan of Benteke, and would have bid for him last summer had the striker not been sidelined with a serious Achilles injury that cost him a World Cup place and kept him out until October.”
Perhaps the Liverpool transfer positivity peaked too soon?
[interaction id=”5564f2cc481c375857c86a50″]
- More transfer news: Southampton accept Liverpool’s £12.5 million offer for Nathaniel Clyne
Fan Comments