Chelsea cooled their interest in Christian Benteke after signing Radamel Falcao on loan
Liverpool and Manchester United are now set to battle it out for the Aston Villa striker, according to reports.
The Blues have always preferred a temporary deal for Falcao over a permanent move for Benteke says Belgian football expert Kristof Terreur.
Chelsea secured the Colombia international on a season-long loan from Monaco, earlier this month, despite failing to make an impact at United during the last campaign.
A move away from Villa Park for Benteke still seems highly likely with both Liverpool and United interested in the Belgian’s services.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers did appear the favourite to land the 24-year-old however United manager Louis Van Gaal has recently expressed an interest.
Sterling OUT Benteke IN
Following Raheem Sterling’s £49million move from Manchester City, Rodgers is keen to find a quality replacement as soon as possible and Benteke appears to be his no. 1 target.
The Northern Irishman is keen to bolster his attacking options with Daniel Sturridge expected to be out injured until September.
Benteke would be the third attacking player signed by Rodgers this transfer window after securing Danny Ings and Roberto Firmino from Burnley and Hoffenheim respectively.
Liverpool previously only wanted to pay around £25million for the 24-year-old but The Anfield club will now reportedly use the money raised from the Sterling sale to meet Villa’s valuation.
Written by Jack Wynne – @JackRobertWynne
