Klopp to trim Liverpool squad by ‘telling eight they’re up for sale’

Christian Benteke: Could follow Joe Allen out of Anfield

Christian Benteke: Could follow Joe Allen out of Anfield

Jurgen Klopp is reported to have told his players which of them are free to leave this summer – with at least eight more set to be cut from Liverpool’s squad.

With Kolo Toure and Jose Enrique released at the end of the season and Jerome Sinclair having been sold to Watford, the Reds are expected to sell off around eight more players this summer – with Joe Allen – despite his Euro 2016 heroics with Wales – and Christian Benteke heading the list.

Allen, who has attracted interest from Sevilla, former club Swansea and Southampton, is expected to meet with Klopp next week following his return to the UK from France where it’s widely reported that the Reds boss will tell the player he will be made available for transfer.

The Reds are also expected to sanction the £31million sale of Benteke to Crystal Palace, although West Ham could yet match their bid for him, while the Reds on Thursday accepted a £15million bid from Bournemouth for Jordon Ibe.

Martin Skrtel is, meanwhile, close to agreeing a £5.5million switch to Fenerbahce.

Mihat Halis from the centre-half’s management company, Stars and Friends, said: “We just have some personal details to sort out. It’s nothing that won’t be sorted.”

Liverpool also want to offload Mario Balotelli and Serie A new boys Crotone are keen on him along with Sampdoria.

Other departures this summer are expected to include Sergi Canos, who is expected to join Norwich, and Luis Alberto, who is also attracting interest from Sevilla.

Mario Balotelli

The future of Lazar Markovic – who spent last season on loan with Fenerbahce – is also expected to come up for review and Klopp could also sanction his sale for the right price, while Brazilian midfielder Lucas Leiva could also move out.

The sales of all these players is expected to generate around £75million – money which Klopp will be allowed to reinvest in his Liverpool squad.

The Reds, who will compete on just three fronts next season having missed out on Europe, promises to be far leaner next season as a result of all these sales.