Liverpool Transfer News: Latest on Christian Benteke and Raheem Sterling Rumours
Liverpool’s chances of signing Belgian international striker Christian Benteke now seem to rest with Aston Villa, as the Reds wait for the Midlands club to lower their asking price for the forward.
According to Joe Bernstein of the MailOnline, the Merseysiders have no intention of meeting the £32.5 million release clause in the player’s contract, but Villa are holding out for that sum. As such, negotiations have apparently released an “impasse” and there has been “no dialogue” between the two clubs recently.
The forward has been one of a number of prestigious names linked with a move to Anfield in what has been a busy summer already. Bleacher Report’s Andy Brassell gave his assessment on the very latest Liverpool stories, including those surrounding Benteke:
It’s a potential move that has been met with mixed opinions. Speaking with James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo, former Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler hailed Benteke as the "perfect" man for the Reds. Given his brute strength, refined hold-up play and stunning aerial ability, there’s few who would deny that the Villa man would give the Reds a refreshing edge.
As noted here by Squawka Football, the striker finished last season in magnificent form:
But a key factor behind his upturn was the style of play which was implemented by Villa boss Tim Sherwood. He made Benteke the focal point of what was a previously dull attack, with all of the Belgian’s team-mates looking to play off him. As such, crosses, passes into feet and direct aerial balls were a common theme at Villa Park.
They wouldn’t necessarily be at Anfield, though, as revealed here by LFC Stats:
Indeed, at this point, it’d seem Liverpool are chasing a player who doesn’t fit their style of play and for a man as principled as Reds boss Brendan Rodgers, a shift in mentality doesn’t seem on the cards any time soon.
Perhaps that’s why Liverpool are unwilling to pay the full £32.5 million for Benteke. But given just how important the forward was to Villa’s 2014-15 survival effort, it’s little surprise that they're going to stand their ground when it comes to their prize asset.
Manchester City to Try Again on Sterling
The long-term future of Liverpool starlet Raheem Sterling could be sorted in the next week, with reports suggesting Manchester City will make a third bid for the winger.
That’s according to the Daily Telegraph, which notes that the former champions have already had two offers rejected for the England international, but they are set to test the resolve of the Reds again with Sterling poised to return to pre-season training with the club Monday.
The piece claims that Liverpool are holding out for a deal worth £50 million for Sterling, who has grown into one of England’s best young talents under the tutelage of Rodgers. Here’s how he fared last season in comparison to the Reds’ marquee midfield acquisition Roberto Firmino, per Sky Sports News HQ:
Rodgers has previously been insistent that Sterling would not be leaving the club, per BBC Sport. However, there’s little doubt at this juncture that a transfer would probably suit all parties. Eventually, you’d expect City to meet the Reds valuation as well.
Liverpool has done excellent business already this window and in Firmino, seem to have an attacker capable of adding the intricacy and incision to fill any potential void left by Sterling. But as Tony Barrett of the Times noted last month, losing the 20-year-old would be a big blow for the Reds:
City is probably an ideal move for the player. Sterling would add a vibrant and direct segment to City’s attacking arsenal and would be part of a squad that’s regularly challenging for the Premier League title. He’d be picking up a sizeable pay packet too, you’d imagine.
If the £50 million sum is met, the Reds would be delighted. But losing a player as talented as Sterling that they’ve nurtured in their academy and integrated into the Premier League should be a big concern for a team which prides itself on being one of the biggest in the English game.
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