Liverpool Transfer News: Latest on Gonzalo Higuain and Christian Benteke Rumours

Reported Liverpool target Gonzalo Higuain has rejected the offer of a new deal at Napoli, though he may not be on the move until next summer.

According to the Mirror's James Whaling, Reds boss Jurgen Klopp is "an admirer" of the striker, whose brother and agent Nicolas Higuain told Argentinian radio station Closs Continental:

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It wasn’t right of the club to ignore those commitments. [Napoli chief] Aurelio De Laurentiis has every right to demand the clause in his contract be paid, but my brother and I have decided not to accept a renewal.

We’ll see what happens next year with Napoli, given that his contract expires in 2018 when he turns 30.

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The forward enjoyed a remarkable record-breaking campaign with the Partenopei, as he netted 36 goals in Serie A—the biggest tally seen in a 20-team season in the Italian top flight. Here are some of his highlights:

According to GianlucaDiMarzio's David Amoyal, he has a staggering release clause "worth over €94 million." Amoyal believes such caution is justified on Napoli's part, though:

His performances on the international stage—specifically tournament finals—have made him quite a divisive player.

Argentina have played in three major finals in as many years—the 2014 FIFA World Cup final and the 2015 and 2016 finals of the Copa America—and in all three, Higuain has missed a chance he would normally finish and the Albiceleste have gone on to lose.

Football writer Liam Canning has been among those critical of his national-team performances, while Fox Sports' Ryan Rosenblatt is at a loss to explain why:

While the lack of composure in those crucial moments could prompt legitimate concern as to his mental strength, after the domestic season he's had, he could almost have his pick of teams across Europe.

It wouldn't be a surprise if Napoli were to cash in on him next year before losing him on a free—which could make qualification for the UEFA Champions League even more crucial for the Reds as they look to entice him and players of a similar calibre.

Meanwhile, several clubs are reportedly targeting Liverpool striker Christian Benteke—but he's not set to leave, according to his agent.

Matt Dunham/Associated Press

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes.net (h/t Goal's Tom Maston), "Atletico Madrid have begun talks with Liverpool" over signing him, with the Reds putting a €30 million price tag on the Belgian.

Further, the Mirror's Darren Lewis puts West Ham United and Crystal Palace in the mix after they seemingly lost out on Michy Batshuayi to Chelsea.

However, according to an exclusive for Sport Witness' Tom Coast, his agent Kismet Eris said there was "nothing at all with any team," and when asked if Benteke would still be at Anfield next season, he replied "yes."

The striker endured a difficult first season at Liverpool, and it's hard to see where he fits in under Klopp, given the mobility and energy that the manager's pressing game requires. A move away could reignite his career, so perhaps he should consider any offers that come in for him.