Liverpool Transfer News: Karim Bellarabi, Christian Benteke, Latest Reds Rumours

Liverpool are reportedly trying to wrap up a summer move for Bayer Leverkusen midfield star Karim Bellarabi, while rumours about Christian Benteke's future remain unclear.

TransferMarketWeb.com (h/t Metro's Tom Olver) has suggested Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is ready to make his move for Bellarabi. Former Borussia Dortmund chief Klopp knows the player well from his time in the Bundesliga.

But the same report states how £15 million-rated Bellarabi has also drawn interest from Premier League rivals Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United.

The links between the 25-year-old and the Anfield club have been growing this year. Back in January, the Liverpool Echo (h/t Mark Critchley of the Independent) reported interest from Merseyside.

Bellarabi does boast the versatility, drive and technical acumen to be an asset in the type of squad Klopp is trying to build. It's a group based on hard-working, creative players.

Seven goals and five assists in all competitions this season, per WhoScored.com, proves Bellarabi's excellence in the final third. As a versatile forward, he would thrive alongside Brazilian pair Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho.

Klopp is sure to refresh Liverpool's attack this summer, so a move for Bellarabi would make sense.

By contrast, it's not clear how or if Benteke will fit into those plans.

Benteke's Future Uncertain

There are conflicting reports about whether Klopp will want Benteke to help lead the line next season. Phil Thomas of the Sun has identified the Belgian as the "main casualty" in a Klopp-led purge.

But journalist Kristof Terreur of Belgian source HLN has indicated Liverpool are not yet ready to part ways with the ex-Aston Villa man:

Meanwhile, Klopp has urged Benteke to be positive about life on the bench, according to Paul Joyce of the Daily Express: “Accept it in a positive way and don't think, ‘I am on the bench, I don't have pressure—thank God.’"

Those will sound like hollow words if Klopp continues to pick Daniel Sturridge or Divock Origi ahead of Benteke.

Yet, it's difficult to see how Benteke's particular qualities will ever be at home in Klopp's brand of football. The 25-year-old is at his best as an aerial threat and natural target man who can hold the ball up.

But Klopp's football is quicker, more intricate and executed between the lines. Benteke seems better suited to a different team.

Bayern Munich Endorse Mario Gotze's Value

One attacker Klopp may struggle to sign is Bayern Munich forward Mario Gotze. The Bundesliga club's manager, Pep Guardiola, has emphasised Gotze's importance to Munich, according to Uche Amako of the Daily Express:

"

He needs more time, but he is getting better week after week. I have seven strikers.

[He is] very professional. He thinks about football 24 hours a day. We have another three months [of the season to go].

We need all the players so that we can achieve our goals. He was, and is, important.

"

Guardiola was speaking about the player's recovery from yet another injury. But his reaffirmed belief in Gotze's value could be a blow to Klopp's mooted desire to reunite with the playmaker he once tutored at Dortmund.

Andy Hunter of the Guardian identified Gotze as a prime target for a potential summer spending spree by the Reds. Like Bellarabi, the German World Cup winner would fit as a sort of half-striker in a constantly rotating forward and attacking midfield line.

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But while nobody can dispute Gotze's ample natural talent, his inability to shake the injury bug has to be a concern for any potential suitor. Given his knowledge of the player, though, Klopp may be more willing than most to deem Gotze worth the risk.

It's clear Klopp will use the summer window to make sure Liverpool's goal-getting options look a lot different come the start of next season. At the moment, he appears to be running the rule over supporting acts, but depending on Benteke's status, the hunt for a natural centre-forward could soon accelerate.