Liverpool Transfer News: Latest on Martin Odegaard and Christian Benteke Rumours

Liverpool are set to miss out on Real Madrid starlet Martin Odegaard following reports the playmaker will join French outfit Rennes on loan, with a decision expected this week. Meanwhile, the Reds have reiterated Christian Benteke won't leave for less than £32.5 million.  

On Sunday, Spanish newspaper AS cited Norwegian daily VG as revealing Rennes' interest in Odegaard, dating back to last week, and Real manager Zinedine Zidane is now alleged to have ordered the youngster to Ligue 1.

Bill Kostroun/Associated Press

According to French daily Ouest France, a decision on the 17-year-old's next step is likely to be made in the next 48 hours, with Rennes seemingly in pole position (h/t Dan Gibbs of the Daily Express).

The move means Liverpool will miss out on their reported target for a second time, having been linked with Odegaard before he joined Los Blancos from Stromsgodset in January 2015.

Zidane may feel the player stands a better chance of developing and receiving first-team minutes at Rennes, and Yahoo's Kristan Heneage said the move will be a positive one for his career prospects:

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp might also have been willing to hand the youngster chances in his senior side, but with pressure already high at Anfield, the German perhaps doesn't need any more on his plate.

Bleacher Report's Dean Jones previously teed the Reds up alongside West Ham United as two of the Premier League teams in the running to sign Odegaard on loan from the European champions:

The Norway international has had a difficult time since moving to the Spanish capital 18 months ago, playing mostly for the club's Castilla side and managing just one appearance in La Liga.

The teenager was viewed as one of Europe's brightest talents before completing his switch to Spain, and he'll hope a temporary move to France's top flight will give him the impetus to revive his career.

Jon Super/Associated Press

Elsewhere, Liverpool are understood to be unwilling to sell misfit striker Benteke unless they're able to recoup the full £32.5 million fee they paid for his services last summer, per Sky Sports.

Klopp addressed the issue concerning the glut of unused strikers in his squad on Friday, per Michael Kelleher of Sky Sports, with Benteke among those struggling to fit in under the German:

"

Christian Benteke, Mario Balotelli, all the other strikers, they are really good; they don't miss anything in their chances. 

Having six strikers is a little bit too comfortable but it's still possible. If anybody thinks that because we have more than one striker, we make presents to other clubs, that's the biggest misunderstanding in world football. We will 100% not do this.

We have to bring them all in the best shape. Until the 31 August I can change my mind if I want, each second. We will wait.

"

The report added Crystal Palace have already seen a £25 million bid for Benteke turned down this summer, and they'll need to advance that offer considerably if they're to convince the Reds of a sale.

Benteke scored 10 goals in 42 appearances during his first season at Liverpool, and the Merseysiders remain staunch in their efforts to ensure the forward doesn't leave Anfield on the cheap.