According to reports from Mirror Football yesterday evening, Liverpool are ready to launch a £25million plus add-ons bid for Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke.
The Belgium international ended the 2014/15 campaign in a blaze of incredible form, netting twelve times in his final 13 outings – including a Premier League hat-trick against Queens Park Rangers – to bring his Villains total to 49 goals in 99 appearances.
Reports earlier this week claimed Benteke had rejected the chance to extend his Villa Park contract – leaving chief executive Tom Fox rather blue in the face – leading Manchester United to launch an enquiry into the club’s valuation of the 24 year-old.
But according to Mirror Football, Liverpool have already put a £22million offer on the table for the 6 foot 3 striker, and are on the verge of increasing it to £25million plus incentives.
The Birmingham outfit, however, remain adamant any potential suitor must activate Benteke’s £32.5million release clause.
Liverpool are considering Sevilla striker Carlos Bacca as a potential alternative – but the La Liga outfit insist they’re yet to receive any formal offers.
Also in the news this week:
10 replacements for Liverpool contract rebel Martin Skrtel
Top 10: Ranking Man United’s rumoured strike targets
Dortmund issue hands off warning to Arsenal and Liverpool
Newcastle steal a march on Arsenal and Liverpool with £12m bid