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

Liverpool could offload two strikers this summer following reports West Ham United are working to cut a deal for Christian Benteke, while Espanyol are raising interest in a deal for Mario Balotelli. 

According to the Sun's Andrew Dillon, the Hammers have already seen a club-record bid of £31 million turned down by Lyon in their pursuit of Alexandre Lacazette, and Benteke is said to be among their next top targets.

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It's reported manager Slaven Bilic is also a fan of Marseille's Michy Batshuayi, but a lack of UEFA Champions League football may mean the club struggles to lure top-drawer talent to the Olympic Stadium.

Instead, West Ham may seek to loan Benteke next season, a deal that could work in favour for all parties. The Hammers get their hands on a player who was a Premier League powerhouse at Aston Villa, while the Reds give the 25-year-old a chance to rediscover his finest form away from Anfield.

Bleacher Report's Liverpool writer Jack Lusby didn't hold back when assessing the Belgium striker's talents recently:

Bilic led West Ham to a seventh-place finish in the league this season, and with the club switching to the Olympic Stadium this summer, it appears they're looking to move up in the European pecking order.

However, Benteke has voiced his intent to remain on Merseyside after completing a £32.5 million move to Anfield last summer, per the Mirror's Ian Doyle:

"

When I signed I didn’t sign for one year – I want to stay here next year. I think I have the quality and the manager knows my strengths and weaknesses – I’ve no doubt (Klopp can make me better).

I know I’ve had a tough season but I’m going to fight until the end. Everything can change so I keep focused and keep going for the team and myself.

"

Manager Jurgen Klopp will have a major say in the forward's future after seeing Daniel Sturridge return to fitness and Divock Origi, Benteke's international team-mate, blossom in his first-team responsibilities.

Dillon's report also added Benteke's £120,000-a-week wages could be "a big sticking point," but Liverpool could help finance his salary if the two clubs can work out a loan agreement.

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Another departure Liverpool fans may not be totally opposed to is Balotelli, whom radio station RAC1 has said will be subject to summer interest from Espanyol this summer (h/t Sport).

The Italian has made just 10 starts for AC Milan on loan from Liverpool this season, but Bleacher Report's Karl Matchett has suggested a potential player-plus-cash deal with the Rossoneri this summer could work:

It's a doubt as to whether Milan would be so willing to take back the 25-year-old for a third spell after seeing him struggle to maintain fitness over the past eight months, however, per Transfermarkt.

Liverpool may consider selling Balotelli if the price is right, and Espanyol are reportedly willing to take the risk on a player whose search for playing consistency lingers on.