With Christian Benteke yet to seal a move away from Liverpool this summer, he may still be offered a lifeline by Crystal Palace.
The 25-year-old found himself in a troubled position as he linked up with the Reds’ pre-season tour of the US at the weekend.
With Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi, Danny Ings and Roberto Firmino all in attendance, Benteke stands as Jurgen Klopp’s fourth-choice striker.
The £32.5 million signing from Aston Villa may even be relegated to fifth choice if Klopp deems summer arrival Sadio Mane a viable deputy.
After failing to establish himself under Klopp in 2015/16, Benteke looks likely to leave Liverpool this summer.
But with the Reds failing to agree a deal with Palace so far—despite the south London club making an offer worth up to £31.5 million at the beginning of July—his prospects were unclear.
According to the Mail’s Dominic King, however, Palace are set to continue discussions over a move for the Belgium international.
King claims that Palace are “prepared to pay £30 million,” and will “return with another offer” this summer.
This may appease Liverpool, who are believed to be looking for an straight cash deal for last season’s 10-goal striker, with Palace’s latest valuation likely to satisfy their demands.
Benteke reportedly earns £120,000 a week on Merseyside, and a similar wage would comfortably make him Palace’s highest earner.
But with Alan Pardew desperate to add a proven goalscorer to his ranks this summer, this is unlikely to be an issue.
Liverpool have already allowed one of Klopp’s touring squad to return to the UK to discuss a move away from the club, with Brad Smith travelling back on Monday night after the Reds accepted a £6 million bid from Bournemouth.
Smith is due to discuss personal terms and undergo a medical on Tuesday, and could become the eighth Liverpool player to be sold this summer so far.
Smith’s departure would bring the Reds’ tally of fees received up to £46.5 million, while selling Benteke for £30 million will ensure Liverpool have a positive net spend ahead of 2016/17.
Klopp has brought in Mane, Joel Matip, Loris Karius, Ragnar Klavan, Alex Manninger and Georginio Wijnaldum at this stage, for a combined total of £61.9 million.
The German’s next priority is likely signing a new left-back, to replace Smith and provide competition for current first choice Alberto Moreno.
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