Manchester United are reportedly hoping to tie up a move for Christian Benteke by the end of the week.
According to The Sun, Manchester United are pushing ahead with a move to sign Aston Villa star Christian Benteke this summer.
Benteke, 24, ended last season as one of the most in-form players, racking up 11 goals in the final nine games of the season having been reborn under Tim Sherwood’s management.
Now though, the Belgian international could look to leave Villa Park this summer, with The Guardian recently reporting that Benteke will ask for a transfer away from Villa this summer.
The Mirror believed that Liverpool were leading the race for Benteke having sold Raheem Sterling to Manchester City, but the Reds could now lose out to their biggest rivals.
A report from The Sun states that Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal is ready to meet Benteke’s £32.5m release clause to take him to Old Trafford, with the Red Devils attempting to push through a deal by the end of the week.
Benteke – ideal for United?
With United moving on from both Radamel Falcao and Robin van Persie, it’s clear that Van Gaal needs to bring in a new striker to boost his attack this summer.
Last season, United lacked a physical presence up front, which prompted Van Gaal to use Marouane Fellaini in an unfamiliar centre forward role.
Benteke, who possesses great size, strength and aerial ability, would help solve United’s problems up front for United, especially given that he still has room to develop among better quality players – something that he will have at Old Trafford.
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