Christian Benteke’s move to Crystal Palace could be under threat, with Liverpool holding out for a lofty fee.
Benteke was subject of a £31.5 million bid from Palace at the beginning of July, but with the Eagles offering only £25 million up front, they saw this rejected.
Liverpool were said to be holding out for a straight fee of £30 million, though this was not thought to be an issue.
However, according to reporters including the Telegraph‘s James Ducker, the Reds now want to recoup the full £32.5 million paid to Aston Villa last summer, which could prove problematic.
Neither Palace or fellow suitors West Ham United are said to be willing to meet this valuation, with talks “at an impasse.”
Benteke is reported to be happy to stay and fight for his place under Jurgen Klopp at Anfield, though with Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi, Danny Ings, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane all ahead of him in the attacking pecking order, this seems unlikely.
The 25-year-old is currently on holiday following the summer’s European Championship, and is unlikely to commit to a move before he returns to Merseyside, where he is due back on July 23.
A deal is thought to hinge on Liverpool lowering their demands, with Benteke’s £120,000-a-week wage also providing an obstacle in Palace’s pursuit.
It is worthwhile to note that reports from local press are still suggesting that talks are underway between the two clubs, with £30 million still the reported value.
Benteke is still highly likely to leave Liverpool this summer, and as with Joe Allen, whose Wales surpassed Belgium at Euro 2016, it could simply be his holiday holding up negotiations.
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