Liverpool Transfer News: Christian Benteke Clause Triggered, Latest Rumours

Liverpool have activated the £32.5 million release clause of Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke, using part of the cash from Raheem Sterling's £49 million departure to Manchester City to fund the deal, according to James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo.  

The attacking behemoth is destined to become the seventh addition of the summer for Reds boss Brendan Rodgers, who has already signed James Milner, Danny Ings, Adam Bogdan, Joe Gomez, Roberto Firmino and Nathaniel Clyne in a second successive year of upheaval at Anfield.

News of Liverpool's decision to trigger Benteke's release clause—something they weren't previously happy to do, per Pearce—follows the suggestion Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal was closing in on the striker, according to Graeme Bryce of the Sun (h/t ESPN FC).

Tony Barrett of the Times questioned whether the player is worth his hefty fee:

Rui Vieira/Associated Press

Benteke scored 13 Premier League goals last season, playing a major role in the Villans' escape from relegation. Boss Tim Sherwood previously said, as reported by ESPN FC, "If someone matches that buyout clause, there's nothing we can do about it."

Former Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler thinks the club made an excellent move and believes Benteke is destined to be a success if a deal is agreed, as reported by Pearce:

"

It’s important we get a proven goalscorer and of the names being bandied about I’d go for Benteke. I think he’s excellent.

In terms of all-round play—strength, speed, physicality, finishing—I think Benteke could be the main man for Liverpool.

"

Jon Super/Associated Press

The Belgian would provide Rodgers' team with proven quality up front. Although he has a tendency to sit and wait for play to develop, Benteke can burst beyond defenders with formidable power when thirsty for the ball.

Rodgers can utilise the likes of Philippe Coutinho, Firmino and Adam Lallana to provide him with pinpoint service. One of Liverpool's failings last season was that they rarely had a man stationed inside the opposition box to round off moves. Benteke would change that.

He could be a major signing who would help the club achieve its objective to regain Champions League football, an important task after Liverpool finished sixth last season.