Liverpool Transfer News: Christian Benteke Set for Reds Training, Pedro Rumours

Incoming arrival Christian Benteke will train with Liverpool for the first time on Wednesday after finalising his move to Anfield, with the Reds also making their approach for Barcelona winger Pedro.

Benteke was expected to complete his £32.5 million transfer on Tuesday, but the Mirror's David Anderson reports it will go through on Wednesday, with the Belgium striker poised to train at Melwood.

Michel Spingler/Associated Press

Anderson adds that fellow new arrival Roberto Firmino and his Brazilian compatriot Philippe Coutinho will also take part in the session upon making their returns for pre-season.

The news isn't all good for Reds supporters, however, who may be disappointed to see Sky Sports allege Benteke will be the last summer arrival at Anfield:

Attack was a major concern for Brendan Rodgers' side last season following the departure of Luis Suarez. Mario Balotelli, Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini failed to replace Daniel Sturridge's threat up top while the Englishman was injured.

However, former Villa boss Paul Lambert told Sky Sports Benteke will prove to be a "terrific signing," dashing any concerns regarding his £32.5 million price:

"

I think he is going to do great. Christian phoned me yesterday and I had a good chat with him. I am delighted for him, he has got a move to a really big, big club.

I hear reports that he can only score from cross balls. Well, Christian Benteke will score for Liverpool. The chances they create, he will score and, as Christian said yesterday, he is very good with his feet. I knew that anyway from signing him and I think he will be a terrific signing.

"

Bleacher Report's Andy Brassell recently discussed whether Benteke will live up to the hype surrounding his Merseyside move, asserting him as the best option for Liverpool right now:

The 24-year-old's transfer appears all but concluded, with Anderson going on to say Benteke will join up with the rest of his new team-mates on their pre-season tour after signing on Wednesday.

Raheem Sterling's recent exit from the club is the second summer in a row Liverpool have lost one of their star attackers; they will hope Benteke can fill that scoring void and become an icon of their new generation.

Liverpool Make Approach for Pedro

Fernando Bustamante/Associated Press

Liverpool have moved into pole position in the race to sign Barcelona forward Pedro, according to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo (via Metro's Louis Sealey), after it looked as though he was set to join Manchester United.

The Merseysiders have long been linked with Pedro, but the Red Devils appeared favourites to land his services, with Sealey adding that Pedro even told his friends he was destined for Old Trafford.

Pedro strikes as a like-for-like Sterling replacement on the right wing and would go a long way to replace the winger's impact, if not seen as an upgrade.

United are also reported to have offered Pedro higher wages than were on offer at Chelsea, according to Tancredi Palmeri of beIN Sports:

Although new arrivals Arda Turan and Aleix Vidal can't make their Barca debuts until January, the first-team chances wouldn't appear too promising for Pedro, already playing in a lesser role for his club of 11 years.

Former Liverpool ace Suarez hopes to see his Blaugrana team-mate remain at the Camp Nou, telling Spanish newspaper Marca (via Goal's Peter Thompson): 

"

Pedro's thing is an individual decision. He's had many years at the club, he has won many titles, and his decision will be respected. But as a team-mate, obviously, I want Pedro to stay because of the importance that he has on a group level.

"

Rio Ferdinand has encouraged former club Manchester United to make their move for Pedro, using his official Instagram account to heap praise on the Spain international:

With Danny Ings and Firmino already at the club, and Benteke soon to follow, Liverpool's attack is undergoing a drastic formation ahead of the new campaign.

With more than 300 Barcelona appearances to his name, along with a World Cup and three Champions League crowns, Pedro would bring a seasoned mind to the club, not to mention a prime talent out wide.