Crystal Palace launch bid for Liverpool striker Benteke

Rob Conlon
Christian Benteke: Striker expected to leave Liverpool

Christian Benteke: Striker expected to leave Liverpool

Crystal Palace have launched a £25million bid for Liverpool striker Christian Benteke, according to reports.

Eagles manager Alan Pardew has turned his attention to Benteke after seemingly missing out on Marseille forward Michy Batshuayi, who appears set to join Chelsea.

Dwight Gayle, meanwhile, the club’s top scorer last season, has been allowed to join recently-relegated Newcastle, leaving Palace short of goals.

And according to the Daily Telegraph, Palace have shown a huge statement of intent by making a £25million bid for Benteke, who is currently at Euro 2016 with Belgium.

However, despite the fact the Belgian is out of favour at Anfield, the Reds are understood to be holding out for £30million, which would still represent a loss on the £32.5million they paid to sign the 25-year-old from Aston Villa last summer.

Palace have suddenly sprung into action with the transfer window now officially open, having completed the signings of goalkeeper Steve Mandanda and England international Andros Townsend on Friday.