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Report: Everton eye surprise move for Christian Benteke, just a year after Liverpool exit

Crystal Palace's Christian Benteke (REUTERS)
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Everton are reportedly interested in signing Crystal Palace striker Christian Benteke.

According to the Daily Mail, Everton are interested in signing Crystal Palace striker Christian Benteke as they eye up alternatives to Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud.

The Toffees have been the most active Premier League club in this summer’s transfer market, having added Jordan Pickford, Michael Keane, Davy Klaassen, Sandro Ramirez and Wayne Rooney to their squad.

Burnley's Michael Keane in action with Crystal Palace's Christian BentekeMichael Keane in action with Crystal Palace’s Christian Benteke

However, with a Europa League campaign on the horizon, and aspirations of a push for Champions League football, more new faces could arrive at Goodison Park before the end of the transfer window.

With Romelu Lukaku poised to seal a big-money move to Premier League rivals Manchester United, Everton will need another centre forward, and they have so far focused on Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud, given that the Gunners have signed Alexandre Lacazette.

However, the Daily Mail report that Everton are eyeing up an alternative to Giroud, with Crystal Palace hitman Christian Benteke believed to be a new target for the Toffees.

Benteke, 26, left Everton’s Merseyside rivals Liverpool for a move to Palace last summer, and he responded by hitting 17 goals in 40 games for the Eagles, bouncing back from a disappointing spell with Liverpool.

Crystal Palace's Christian BentekeCrystal Palace’s Christian Benteke

The Belgian international would offer similar attributes to Giroud in the sense that he brings real power and aerial ability – something Ronald Koeman may be keen on as he looks to replace Lukaku.

Benteke isn’t thought to be pushing for a move though, and is settling in London, meaning a return to Merseyside may not be on his agenda this summer.

Would you like to see Everton sign Benteke?