Reds WON’T pay release clause however
Liverpool are considering a formal bid for Aston Villa star Christian Benteke, but they WON’T match his release clause.
According to reports this morning, Liverpool are ready to make a £25million bid for the Belgium striker, which is around £7m off his release clause in his contract.
Benteke Wanted
Villa have already informed interested parties that they won’t sell for anything less than his £32.4m clause which is in his contract, but The Reds are confident they can change their minds with a formal bid.
Benteke re-found his old self near the end of the 2014/2015 campaign, scoring 13 goals in 11 games and also helped knock Liverpool out of the FA Cup in the Semi-Final at Wembley.
Tim Sherwood has had a massive effect on the 24-year-old and has already admitted that if Benteke wants to leave Villa Park, he won’t stand in his way.
Liverpool’s Busy Summer
Liverpool are not messing around in this window, already signing five new players, and close to a sixth with Nathaniel Clyne expected to arrive from Southampton, but a striker is still what they need to bring in.
Danny Ings has already arrived from Burnley, but with Fabio Borini, Mario Balotelli and Rickie Lambert all expected to leave Anfield, Brendan Rodgers is desperate for another striker.
Alternative Target
If Liverpool fail with their bid for Benteke, they will turn their attentions to Sevilla‘s Carlos Bacca, who only has a £21.5m release clause in his contract.
According to reports, Liverpool already lodged a £22m bid for Benteke, which was turned down by Villa, but they are readying an improved bid of £25m.
However, it’s expected that bid will also be rejected as the Midlands club hold out for the release clause fee.
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt
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