Liverpool Transfer News: Christian Benteke, Julian Draxler, Latest Reds Rumours

Christian Benteke reportedly wants to stay at Liverpool next season, while Reds target Julian Draxler could be available for £52 million. 

Per Sky Sports News HQ's James Weir, Benteke's agent, Kismet Eris, said there is "nothing in" reports suggesting the Belgian striker could soon leave Anfield and insisted his client wants to stay and earn a first-team place at Liverpool in 2016-17.

Eris' comments are at odds with recent reports that indicated Benteke has agreed personal terms with Crystal Palace and is "desperate" to move to Selhurst Park, per the Mirror's Ed Malyon.

At the moment, with Benteke still on holiday following his Euro 2016 travails with the Belgian national team, negotiations are on reportedly on hold, per football writer Kristof Terreur:

The Liverpool Echo's Neil Jones speculated that Eris' comments could be "a negotiating position" as he tries to broker the best deal for his client.

It seems unlikely that Benteke would want to stay at Liverpool under manager Jurgen Klopp, as he is behind Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi, Roberto Firmino, new signing Sadio Mane and perhaps even Danny Ings in the attacking pecking order.

Benteke moved to Liverpool from Aston Villa for £32.5 million last summer but struggled to claim a starting spot after Klopp's appointment as Brendan Rodgers' successor in October.

The 25-year-old bemoaned not being played regularly enough by the German manager back in March and is clearly unsettled at the club, per David Usher on ESPN FC.

Having returned 42 goals in 89 Premier League appearances during his time at Villa, Benteke managed only nine goals in 29 games—14 of which were starts—last season for Liverpool, per WhoScored.com. 

With Klopp generally preferring to play just one striker, Benteke's opportunities will continue to be limited if he stays on next term.

However, while a move to Crystal Palace would seemingly be advantageous for all involved, Eris' comments have opened up the possibility of Benteke still being at Anfield next season.

Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images

Meanwhile, according to MailOnline's Simon Jones, Draxler, 22, is eager to leave VfL Wolfsburg, but the Bundesliga giants will not let him go for less than £52 million.

Per France Football (via Dan Gibbs in the Express), Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United have all previously been linked with the winger, who could be a fantastic addition in the Premier League.

Germany international Draxler started to make good on his enormous potential last season, particularly impressing in the UEFA Champions League against Real Madrid, per Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe:

Under Klopp, he could develop into a world-class star, and he would fit perfectly in the Liverpool system with the likes of Firmino, Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho.

It will be a difficult signing to pull off, but especially if Benteke is sold for a decent price, Liverpool should have the necessary funds to meet Draxler's valuation, and he could be a huge asset for the long term.