Reds striker Christian Benteke is wanted by Eagles boss Alan Pardew, a report claims.
Benteke has found life tough on Merseyside
Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew is eyeing an ambitious move for Liverpool striker Christian Benteke, a report in Friday’s Sun newspaper (page 65) claims.
Pardew is said to be desperate to add a strong man up front and Benteke certainly fits the bill.
Liverpool paid £32.5 million for the Belgian a year ago, but he scored just 10 goals in 42 appearances and was often overlooked following Jurgen Klopp’s October arrival.
With Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi and Danny Ings also at Klopp’s disposal, the German is reportedly willing to offload Benteke, with the former Aston Villa man’s sale potentially funding a move for Southampton winger Sadio Mane.
Klopp is reportedly keen on Mane
Both West Ham United (the Mirror) and Juventus (Gazzetta dello Sport) have been linked with moves for Benteke this summer, though the Hammers’ interest is said to have cooled despite an initial approach.
According to Gazzetta, a bid of £19 million would be enough to secure the 25-year-old, which would eclipse Palace’s current record outlay – £10 million for Yohan Cabaye a year ago.
France star Cabaye is Palace’s record buy
Benteke has scored an impressive 51 goals in 118 Premier League appearances.
Benteke has retained an impressive strike rate, despite a poor campaign
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