Newly promoted Premier League side Hull City are believed to have made a loan bid for Liverpool striker Christian Benteke.
Benteke has been subject of interest from both Crystal Palace and West Ham United so far this summer, with the Eagles said to be preparing a third bid for the Belgian, worth around £30 million.
But before Alan Pardew can welcome Benteke to his squad, with no deal agreed with Liverpool at this stage, Hull have made a surprise bid for the 26-year-old.
According to the Hull Daily Mail, who cite reports in the Times, the Tigers have made loan bids for Benteke and Manchester City centre-forward Wilfried Bony.
This reportedly comes as a move to diffuse tension within the Hull squad following the departure of manager Steve Bruce.
Bruce left abruptly last week, after a lack of signings were compounded by long-term injuries to a number of key players.
Hull currently only have Uruguay international Abel Hernandez on their books as a senior striker, and they are yet to make a single addition to their squad after promotion.
It is highly unlikely that Benteke would leave Anfield for the KC Stadium, however, particularly in a temporary deal.
Liverpool have already rejected two big-money offers from Palace, the latest worth up to £31.5 million, as they look to recoup much if not all of the £32.5 million to sign him last summer.
Benteke joined from Aston Villa on a five-year, £120,000-a-week deal just over a year ago, but has failed to adjust to the Reds’ tactical demands.
This was particularly apparent following the arrival of Jurgen Klopp, who has preferred Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi, Danny Ings and Roberto Firmino as his centre-forward options.
Benteke is currently with Klopp’s squad on their pre-season tour of the US, however, and could feature against AC Milan on Sunday morning (3.05am BST).
How much longer he remains on the books on Merseyside, however, is up for debate.
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