Chelsea Transfer News: Christian Benteke Targeted Amid Romelu Lukaku Rumours

Chelsea have emerged as shock contenders to sign Liverpool misfit Christian Benteke should they miss out on a deal to re-sign his Belgian compatriot and former Blues striker, Romelu Lukaku. 

According to the Times' Matt Hughes, Lukaku remains the first choice for incoming manager Antonio Conte, but Reds forward Benteke is an alternative target should they fail to lure the Toffees forward back to the club.

Geert Vanden Wijngaert/Associated Press/Associated Press

The report added Lukaku is "open to returning" to Stamford Bridge two years after Chelsea sold him to Everton for a fee of £28 million, but the west Londoners will be expected to pay significantly more than that for a reunion.

In May, ESPN FC's Liam Twomey provided quotes from the 23-year-old, who indicated he'll remain in the Premier League amid rumours Chelsea will have to pay £65 million in order to re-sign their former forward.

He said: "I keep it for me. A lot of clubs are interested, some of which are already very concrete for five years. In my head, I have already made a decision, so we'll see. We'll see. It's true that the English competition suits me perfectly, but there are plenty of other beautiful clubs."

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On the other hand, Benteke has been tipped for a move away from Anfield just one year after completing a £32.5 million move to Merseyside, having failed to impress under manager Jurgen Klopp.

The 25-year-old's contract doesn't expire until the summer of 2020, and Belgian football expert John Chapman recently quoted Benteke, who explained he's eager to persevere in his current setting:

Despite their run to 10th place in the Premier League last season, Chelsea could still be considered an upgrade from Liverpool in the English ranks, meaning the Reds forward may be open to such a move.

National team manager Marc Wilmots has shown faith in the former Aston Villa ace despite Benteke scoring just nine Premier League goals last season, and Sky Sports' Kaveh Solhekol confirmed the striker was bound for Euro 2016:

That being said, Benteke will have major competition on his hands at Stamford Bridge, too, as Diego Costa appears likely to continue his reign as the club's first-choice striker under Conte's command.

Everton fans haven't taken lightly to Lukaku's comments on a move away from Goodison Park this summer, and the Mirror's David Anderson recently attested to their changed opinion of the £65 million man:

Considering the massive price tag on his head and the other options available for that kind of money, Lukaku risks being stranded at Everton should no club step up to pay the necessary transfer fee this summer.

Benteke would be a far cheaper alternative for Chelsea if it's a Belgian striker they're after, with the Londoners apparently willing to take a punt on the player despite his fall in form.