Liverpool Transfer News: Latest on Christian Benteke and Mario Balotelli Rumours

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers was coy when asked about the imminent signing of Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke on Wednesday.

The Reds manager spoke to the press ahead of Liverpool's pre-season fixture against a Malaysia XI in Kuala Lumpur, where he batted off questions surrounding the Belgian's arrival, as tweeted by James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo:

Benteke's signing is due to be announced on Wednesday, reported Kaveh Solhekol of Sky Sports. Solhekol described the situation, suggesting Benteke will be the club's seventh and final signing of a busy summer period, per Sky Sports (h/t Audioboom):

Rodgers is in desperate need of a prolific goalscorer after last season's disappointing attacking output in the Premier League, highlighted by OptaJoe:

Having sold Raheem Sterling to Manchester City—who contributed seven strikes and seven assists to the Reds' total, per WhoScored.com—it's now important Liverpool are stacked with quality in the opposition's box. Benteke is proven in the division, having netted 19, 10 and 13 in three respective seasons with Villa, and he is ready to make the step up.

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His presence will put a strain on the likes of Mario Balotelli, Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini, three forwards who need transfers to rejuvenate their careers. Rodgers acknowledged Balotelli is working diligently to keep himself in shape, despite not joining the squad on tour, per Pearce:

Inter Milan have rejected the chance to re-sign Balotelli on a season-long loan, according to Calciomercato (h/t Liam Corless of the Mirror). The 24-year-old remains "keen" on a move back to Italy, per Corless' report.

Lambert is due to speak with West Bromwich Albion about a possible transfer, reported Sky Sports. The physical striker failed to make an impression during his debut season with Liverpool, scoring just two Premier League goals, and he must find first-team football if he's to rejuvenate his chances of making England's Euro 2016 squad.

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Sam Wallace of the Independent believes West Ham United are interested in Borini, but they have yet to make a formal offer for his services.

Benteke's transfer could be a watershed moment for Liverpool. A second summer of investment is key to helping the club remain in the hunt for a Champions League place, especially as the Premier League's top four also continue to fine-tune their squads.

Rodgers needs to land elite European football or a trophy to keep the doubters at bay next term. This squad will be seen as his own—even if the club's transfer committee has had a huge say—so significant progress is vital over the next year.