Liverpool Transfer News: Carlos Bacca Fuels Rumours, Christian Benteke Bid Eyed

Sevilla star Carlos Bacca has indicated he would be open to a move to Liverpool, who remain in the hunt for another striker.

Bacca's exploits with Sevilla have propelled him into the consciousness of the football world, and his agent, Sergio Barila, admitted the striker is considering his options—which includes a move to Liverpool, who he confirmed are an interested party.

According to Ed Aarons of the Guardian, he said: 

"

Liverpool and another English club are among those that have shown an interest.

...

We are really looking at three things—number one is to have a happy family situation for his wife and son because he had a bad experience in Belgium. The second is to find a good team with a good project. Before he went to Chile, we wrote down a list of clubs that fit that description and Liverpool was on that list.

The third question is the contract. He has a good salary in Sevilla but we know how much clubs in England can pay.

"

With Bacca open to a move, Liverpool would do well to capitalise.

The Colombian scored 28 goals and provided nine assists in all competitions last season, including seven strikes in the Europa League, helping Sevilla to win the tournament for the second year in a row.

As WhoScored.com note, his goalscoring exploits in La Liga put him in good company:

Real Madrid TV's Phil Kitromilides can't believe how little Los Blanquirrojos paid for his services:

The forward is an outstanding finisher whose crafty movement inside the penalty area can devastate defences. With the likes of Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho feeding him, Bacca could thrive at Liverpool.

Michael Sohn/Associated Press

Though the 28-year-old typically operates as a lone striker for Unai Emery's Sevilla, Bacca is comfortable dropping deep to engage in build-up play, so he could also be an effective partner for Daniel Sturridge or Danny Ings.

Bacca will be 29 in September, and he will likely be fairly expensive to acquire. Liverpool will need to weigh up their need for a proven goalscorer against the cost of what may only be two or three good years of service.

That said, the acquisition of Bacca alongside their other summer buys could well fire them back into the Champions League, so it's likely the money would be well spent.

Should Brendan Rodgers prefer to opt for a younger talent, then Christian Benteke could be the answer.

Rui Vieira/Associated Press

David Maddock of the Mirror reports that Liverpool are ready to test Aston Villa's resolve with a £25 million bid for the Belgian, having had a £22 million offer rejected.

Villa are adamant that Benteke won't be allowed to leave for anything less than his £32.5 million buyout clause, however.

After a serious Achilles injury saw Benteke struggle to recapture the form he showed in his first two seasons in the Midlands, the 24-year-old enjoyed an explosive second half of the season and scored 15 goals in all competitions.

The powerful forward is a proven quantity in the Premier League, and though he would cost a hefty fee, he has youth on his side and could add the clinical edge the Reds lack when Sturridge is injured.

Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Though Ings and Firmino appear good business and will both add to Liverpool's attacking quality, a more proven striker is certainly needed for Liverpool to make a genuine challenge for a top-four place next season.

Bacca and Benteke both fit the criteria.

Given Liverpool's owners, Fenway Sports Group, prefer to sign younger players, Benteke would seem the more likely of the two despite being more expensive.

The Reds have already shown they're willing to splash the cash if they believe it to be on the right player, so it would come as little surprise if they find themselves matching the Belgian's buyout clause as the window draws to a close.