Liverpool striker Christian Benteke is expected to complete his move to Crystal Palace in the coming days, becoming their highest-paid player.
Palace most recently made an offer of up to £31.5 million for the Belgian, but Liverpool were said to have rejected this as they push for a straightforward fee of £30 million up front.
This is not likely to deter the Eagles, with a deal likely to be finalised when the 25-year-old returns from holiday after the summer’s European Championship.
According to the Mirror‘s Ed Malyon, Benteke has already agreed personal terms with Palace, who are set to make him their highest-paid player in a club-record deal.
Benteke currently earns £120,000 a week at Liverpool, and with current highest earner Yohan Cabaye reported to have signed a £100,000-a-week deal on his move to Selhurst Park last summer, it is likely that he will have been offered similar terms.
The former Aston Villa star will join an ambitious project in south London, with Palace backing Alan Pardew with substantial funds this summer.
Palace have already signed France goalkeeper Steve Mandanda, former West Ham United centre-back James Tomkins and journeyman winger Andros Townsend.
Townsend’s arrival is likely designed to see him link up with Benteke in attack, and Pardew is said to be considering a new-look 4-4-2 formation, with a heavy focus on wide play.
A deal to bring Benteke to the club could be concluded this week, with manager Jurgen Klopp unlikely to include him in his plans for 2016/17.
Klopp saw Danny Ings score in the Reds’ first pre-season friendly of the summer away to Tranmere Rovers on Friday night, and the ex-Burnley striker will be joined by Daniel Sturridge and Divock Origi in fighting for a starting role under the German.
With Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino also capable of operating up front, Benteke is surplus to requirements.
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