According to reports from The Daily Star this morning, Liverpool have submitted a £32.5million bid for Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke.
The 24 year-old ended last season with a prolific run of twelve goals in his final 13 outings – including a Premier League hat-trick against QPR – to bring his Villains total to 49 goals in 99 appearances.
That, combined with the revelation that his Villa Park contract includes a £32.5million release clause, has generated plenty of interest in the 24-cap Belgium international.
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Liverpool had already launched a £22million bid for the 6 foot 3 target man but remained reluctant to meet his buy-out fee in full, whilst he’s also been mooted as a potential replacement to Robin van Persie at Manchester United.
But reports yesterday claimed the £49million sale of Raheem Sterling to Manchester City had convinced the Anfield outfit to activate Benteke’s release clause, with Aston Villa expecting a bid yesterday evening.
And according to The Star, Liverpool have indeed now lodged a formal £32.5million offer. With an agreement over personal terms being the only remaining obstacle, the Reds are hoping the deal can be concluded relatively quickly.
Also in the news this week:
Arsenal ready £40m bid for Man United’s RVP replacement
Ex-Liverpool boss pours cold water on Man United defender deal
Liverpool set to hijack £22m Chelsea deal
Arsenal and Liverpool in five-horse race for double CL winner
But na united wan sign benteke b4 nw