Steve Nicol’s response when asked if Benteke could join Celtic

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West Ham United-linked Liverpool striker Christian Benteke will not join Celtic in the summer transfer window, says Steve Nicol.

Steve Nicol said on ESPN FC that Liverpool striker Christian Benteke will not join Celtic in the summer transfer window.

Benteke has been linked with a move away from Liverpool this summer after a disappointing 2015-16 campaign.

According to a recent report in The Mirror, West Ham will make a £25 million move to sign the Belgium international striker.

Liverpool legend Nicol believes that Benteke will not leave the Reds for Celtic to rejoin his former manager Brendan Rodgers.

Former Liverpool boss Rodgers, who signed the 25-year-old from Aston Villa in the summer of 2015, was recently appointed the Celtic manager.

“I think you can take to the bank that Benteke will not be joining Mr Rodgers at Celtic,” Nicol said on ESPN FC. “However, I do think Benteke will leave Liverpool and has to leave Liverpool.”

Benteke scored nine goals and created 30 chances in 29 Premier League appearances for Liverpool this past season.

The former Genk striker scored one goal and created five chances in seven Europa League matches during the 2015-16 campaign.

Benteke is a good player, but for the former Villa striker’s playing style does not suit current Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

It will be interesting to see if any Premier League club sign the Belgium, but it is unlikely that he will join Scottish Premiership outfit Celtic in the summer transfer window.