Liverpool Transfer News: Christian Benteke Bid Imminent, Raheem Sterling Latest

Liverpool are reportedly readying a fresh bid for Aston Villa forward Christian Benteke, but it’s unlikely to meet the £32 million release clause in the Belgian’s contract.

That’s according to Peter O’Rourke of ESPN FC, who cites “sources” which have claimed the Reds are “preparing a bid” for the 24-year-old powerhouse. O'Rourke writes that Liverpool are still looking to strike a fee below the clause, but Villa are refusing to budge.

Kirsty Wigglesworth/Associated Press

As we can see here courtesy of WhoScored.com, Benteke’s aerial power would certainly give Liverpool something different in advanced areas:

The situation seems pretty clear when it comes to this transfer—Liverpool need to meet the player’s asking price or he will be going nowhere. The ANFIELD WRAP summed up how any potential discussions between the Reds and Villa might go:

The Midlands club are well within their rights to stand strong too. After all, Benteke was so important to Villa staying up last season, and finding another player who could thrive quite as well under the principles of manager Tim Sherwood would be a very difficult challenge.

Scott Heppell/Associated Press

Liverpool know exactly what it’s like to be frustrated when a team is in pursuit of one of your prize assets, as well.

Indeed, the Reds have been locked in talks with Manchester City about the transfer of Raheem Sterling throughout the summer, but as we can see here courtesy of Sky Sports News HQ, the young winger looks to be edging closer to finalising a deal:

If anything, the sale of Sterling puts Liverpool in a weaker position when it comes to their pursuit of Benteke.

After all, despite spending plenty on players such as Nathaniel Clyne and Roberto Firmino already this summer, the Reds will reportedly be in receipt of £49 million for Sterling, per Sky Sports; Villa will want as much of that as they can get.

Kirsty Wigglesworth/Associated Press

Former Liverpool player Don Hutchison is unsure whether or not Anfield is the right fit for the Belgian striker anyway:

If the Reds were to play to Benteke’s strengths, as Villa did toward the back end of last season, he’d be well worth the money. The former Genk man is an outstanding target man, boasting exceptional aerial ability, sharp hold-up play and an understatedly intelligent football brain. He’s a player that clearly knows where the back of the net is too.

Rui Vieira/Associated Press

But Brendan Rodgers is a principled manager. There’s no way the Reds will look for Benteke as often as Villa, nor will they be looking to fling crosses into the box at every opportunity, thus nullifying the Belgian’s influence.

It’ll be intriguing to see how Liverpool handle things tactically if this deal goes ahead. But unless Villa see circa £32 million of the money the Reds have received from the imminent sale of Sterling, it’s a scenario that looks unlikely to arise.