Liverpool Transfer News: Christian Benteke Eyed by Atletico Madrid, Top Rumours

Atletico Madrid are reportedly interested in signing Liverpool's Christian Benteke this summer as they reinforce their striking options, while the Reds may prefer to use the Belgian as a makeweight in their pursuit of AS Roma's Leandro Paredes. 

That's according to Darren Lewis of the Mirror, who noted Los Rojiblancos have joined the likes of Juventus and West Ham United in the race for the striker's signature and that Liverpool will make him available to sign this summer.

Per BBC Sport, Benteke is unhappy with his playing time at Liverpool and told Belgium's Sport/Voetbalmagazine:

"

In January I didn't want to leave and it's still my desire to succeed at Liverpool. We'll see at the end of the season.

Some team-mates said that I was lucky with the arrival of [Jurgen] Klopp because I certainly would play.

When your coach says he wanted to take you to [Borussia] Dortmund and a little later you sit at the same club and he ignores you it is hard to understand.

"

Atletico have struggled for goals this season in comparison to their rivals—they have netted just 46 times compared with Barcelona's 86 after 30 La Liga matches—and are ostensibly in the title race by virtue of their impeccable defence, which has shipped just 14 strikes all season.

A partner—or alternative—for Antoine Griezmann is sorely needed, though Benteke may not be the right choice.

In 32 outings for Liverpool, the 25-year-old has netted just eight goals and assisted five. Bleacher Report UK's Jack Lusby has been unimpressed, particularly by his movement:

In his column for the Daily Mail, pundit Martin Keown gave his take on why the forward—who had been prolific for Aston Villa—is failing to make the grade at Anfield:

"Benteke’s power and aerial ability can make him a very useful player but Liverpool don’t want to play to his strengths. Klopp wants a high-energy striker who can close down defenders and link the play, while Benteke doesn’t really have the mobility to win back possession in this way."

Those same difficulties could affect him at the Vicente Calderon, as Diego Simeone demands movement and a high work rate from his team, though it's possible a move could reignite his career.

He could have an easier time at Roma, and Liverpool would particularly welcome his sale to the Serie A side if Paredes heads in the other direction.

The midfielder has impressed on loan at Empoli this season, as his highlights reveal:

WhoScored's Cristiano Acconci is an admirer of the 21-year-old and shared his statistically calculated strengths:

Paredes has been particularly good at regaining possession for his side in midfield, as WhoScored further revealed:

The Argentinian is also capable of contributing going forward. As well as scoring twice this season, he has been perhaps unfortunate not to have more than one assist to his name having created 32 chances for Empoli, per Squawka. His record of successfully completing 27-of-32 attempted take-ons reveals his impressive dribbling skills.

An excellent all-rounder, Paredes would make a strong capture for the Reds. The Giallorossi may be reluctant to part with him following his strong loan spell, though, so it could be difficult to pull off—even if Liverpool sweeten the deal with Benteke.