The Merseyside club have reportedly ended their interest in Aston Villa’s Christian Benteke
Liverpool chiefs have decided they won’t pay the £32million release clause in Benteke’s contract.
There was speculation Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers was keen on the Belgium international as a strike partner for Danny Ings, who recently joined on a free transfer from Burnley.
However, Benteke’s asking price has now reportedly forced Rodgers to look elsewhere for striking reinforcements with Juventus’ Fernando Llorente and Sevilla’s Carlos Bacca rumoured to be key targets this summer.
Llorente and Bacca interest
Llorente, 30, is also attracting interest from North London duo Tottenham and Arsenal as well as Valencia but Liverpool feel they can land the Spain international for around £10million.
£21million-rated Bacca is also thought to be on Rodger’s shopping list – the Colombia international scored 28 goals last season, including the winning goal in the Europa League final.
Liverpool are not the only club interested in Bacca with Arsenal and Manchester United also thought to be keen on the 28-year-old.
Liverpool sign Gomez
Following recent speculation, the Merseyside club have officially completed a £3.5million move for Charlton defender, Joe Gomez – the England Under-19 international has signed a five-year deal.
Liverpool defender Sebastian Coates is reportedly on the verge of completing a permanent move to Sunderland and Rodgers was keen to find a replacement.
The former Addicks defender admitted it’s a “dream come true” and spoke about how he has followed Liverpool ever since he was young.
Written by Jack Wynne – @JackRobertWynne