Liverpool mulling over improved Palace bid for Benteke – report

Christian Benteke: Palace sign striker from Liverpool

Christian Benteke: Palace sign striker from Liverpool

Crystal Palace have lodged a second bid worth a club-record £31.5million for Liverpool striker Christian Benteke, according to reports.

Palace are believed to have seen a £25million offer rejected by the Anfield club last week and they have returned with an initial £27million, followed by add-ons linked to appearances and Palace’s achievements, according to The Guardian.

Reports last week suggested Liverpool were looking to recoup most of the £32.5million they paid Aston Villa for the Belgium international just less than 12 months ago and Palace’s second offer for the Belgium striker might well be enough to tempt the Reds into selling.

Benteke scored 10 goals in 42 appearances for Liverpool, joining initially under Brendan Rodgers but failing to convince Jürgen Klopp that he will be a key player under the German’s regime. The big striker fell out of favour at Anfield and 21-year-old Divock Origi was selected ahead of him as he struggled to meet the demands of Klopp’s pressing game.

West Ham have also been linked with a move for the 25-year-old, who admitted last month that he may have to move on to get first-team football.

“At 25 years old, I’m neither old nor young but it’s important to play,” said Benteke, who is under contract until 2020, in June.

“I still have a contract at Liverpool and I’d like to stay there, if I remain in the coach’s plans.

“If that’s not the case, it will become difficult to stay. I’ll think about if after the Euros.”

Benteke would join Andros Townsend, who signed for £13million from Newcastle United, and the France goalkeeper Steve Mandanda, who has been signed from Marseille for £1.4m.