Liverpool Transfer News: Christian Benteke Targeted by West Brom, Latest Rumours

Liverpool striker Christian Benteke has reportedly attracted interest from West Bromwich Albion.

That's according to the Daily Mail's Simon Jones, who noted the Reds are prepared to offload the Belgian in the summer to fund additions to the squad. However, after costing the Anfield outfit £32.5 million last year, Jones suggested the Baggies may struggle to afford Benteke unless they sell Saido Berahino.

The 25-year-old has had a torrid time at Liverpool—an ill-fitting player for Brendan Rodgers and his passing style, Benteke is arguably even less suited to Jurgen Klopp's high-energy pressing.

The striker has accrued just eight goals in 35 outings for the Reds, and just one of those has come in 2016.

Bleacher Report UK's Jack Lusby has been among his biggest critics:

What has further harmed Benteke's chances of making his move to Liverpool work is the rise of Divock Origi, who has surpassed his compatriot in goals scored this season. ESPN general editor Alex Shaw and football writer Tom McMahon noted how Benteke compares unfavourably with his team-mate:

Indeed, with Daniel Sturridge also ahead of him in the pecking order, Danny Ings potentially so upon his return to fitness and the Reds likely to recruit more firepower in the summer, it seems Benteke has little choice but to accept a move elsewhere and begin rebuilding his career.

When utilised correctly, he's been a fairly prolific goalscorer—he netted 49 times in 101 appearances for Aston Villa—so he could be a good signing for Tony Pulis' West Brom as the manager is known for getting the best out of tall, powerful strikers who can feed off his direct approach.

Meanwhile, Udinese director of sport Cristiano Giaretta has said Liverpool are “interested” in signing their midfielder Piotr Zielinski.

Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images

Giaretta told Radio Punto Zero (h/t Charlie Phillippe of the Express): “There is interest from Liverpool and it is concrete interest. He is doing very well and has the eyes of the Premier League on him.”

The youngster has bagged four goals and six assists on loan at Empoli this season, and at 21, he has already made 13 appearances for Poland's national team.

Here are some of his highlights this season:

According to Squawka, the central midfielder has created 46 chances and completed 79 take-ons in Serie A this season, which shows his ability to support the attack. He has also demonstrated his defensive work rate, having won 50 tackles and made 44 interceptions.

David Amoyal, a translator for Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, and Lusby both recently ran the rule over his game:

He could certainly be a useful addition to the squad—even amid Joe Allen's revival of form—thanks to his age and all-round strong game.

Phillippe reported Zielinski could cost the Reds as little as £11.5 million. If they got him for around that price, he could prove to be a shrewd acquisition.