Liverpool Transfer News: Christian Benteke Backed, Daniel Sturridge Rumours

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has claimed centre-forward Christian Benteke does have a future at Anfield despite struggling during the early weeks of his tenure.

For recent clashes against Arsenal and Manchester United at Anfield the German has left the £32.5 million striker on the bench, prompting speculation about whether or not he’s the right kind of fit for the style of football being played.

Ahead of Liverpool’s FA Cup replay against Exeter City on Wednesday, Klopp stated he has faith in the Reds No. 9, per Dominic King of the Daily Mail:

"

You are too quick in your judgements. If I worked like this, I would send players who miss chances to the next club or whatever. Stay cool. Of course he has a future. That is not a question.

What we have to do is think what team fits together for the special game. For the next game it could be different. We have to think about how we create chances. First of all we cannot hope that we can get the ball into the box and then maybe Christian will finish it.

"

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Klopp also revealed that during his time in charge of Borussia Dortmund he tried to sign Benteke from Aston Villa in the summer of 2013. “I met him, plus his agent, at Dusseldorf airport,” said Klopp, per King. "We saw a lot of games he played in: saving the ball, technical skills, heading, finishing skills—all this stuff.”

The Belgium international remains Liverpool’s most likely source of goals, despite his recent struggles, as we can see here courtesy of Sky Sports News HQ:

Although plenty have questioned whether Benteke is right for the intense football Klopp is seeking to implement, it’s worth recalling that his best Dortmund sides had target men at the point of the attack: Lucas Barrios and Robert Lewandowski. Eventually, both acclimatised to this unique style, and the German is clearly hoping a similar process occurs with the Belgian.

Benteke can do more to aid that process, especially when it comes to getting into dangerous areas, harrying opposition defenders and refining his hold-up play.

His first few months have been pretty frantic at Anfield, though, with the man who brought him in moving on. As Klopp noted, it’d be harsh to make a premature judgement that he’s not up to the job.

Shock Daniel Sturridge Rumours

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According to the Brentwood Gazette, West Ham United are ready to test Liverpool’s resolve to keep Daniel Sturridge by offering £18 million for the centre-forward.

The England international has endured another campaign rife with injury issues. According to the piece, Klopp is seeking to move the forward on, and the Hammers see him as “a perfect fit” for the point of their attack, as Slaven Bilic’s team continue their surprise quest for a top-four spot in the Premier League.

As noted by football writer Dan Kennett, even though Sturridge has missed a lot of the season due to injury, he’s still a player who knows where the back of the net is:

Even if there’s no truth to this story, the 26-year-old’s long-term future at Anfield is certainly a topic worth discussing.

At his best Sturridge is one of the sharpest forwards in English football and worth much more than the fee mentioned. But an offer of £18 million for a player who is such a regular in the treatment room is certainly tempting.

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It’d be a surprise if Klopp had made a final decision on Sturridge so soon, though. The German will want to see the striker get some regular training under his belt and that may come as late as pre-season for the 2016-17 term.

If he can’t get through that process without picking up any issues, the Reds may begin to consider their options.