Liverpool reject Palace’s Benteke bid – but ‘will sell for right price’
Christian Benteke: Palace sign striker from Liverpool
Liverpool have reportedly rejected Crystal Palace’s opening £25million offer for Christian Benteke – but will sell the unwanted striker if the Eagles up their offer to £30million.
The Reds are understood to be looking to recoup most of the £32.5million they paid Aston Villa for the Belgium international just less than 12 months ago.
Ideally, Liverpool are looking for £30million plus add-ons for the 25-year-old, who has failed to impress manager Jurgen Klopp.
Benteke was the signing Klopp’s predecessor Brendan Rodgers pushed for last summer but after scoring seven goals in his first nine appearances he managed just three in his last 23 matches.
The big striker fell out of favour at Anfield and even compatriot Divock Origi, aged 21 and in his first season in English football, was selected ahead of him as he struggled to meet the demands of Klopp’s pressing game.
Despite that, the striker has always insisted he wants to fight for his future at Anfield, insisting he has the “quality and strengths” needed to succeed under Klopp.
With Danny Ings back to full fitness after a cruciate knee ligament operation Benteke is even further down the pecking order with Daniel Sturridge, Origi, Ings and even attacking midfielder Roberto Firmino ahead of him in terms of selection.
Benteke, whose European Championships were ended by Wales on Friday night, will have extended summer leave as those players not involved in Euro 2016 or the Copa America return for pre-season training on Saturday.
However, his future appears to be away from Anfield – and the player finally conceded recently that his future may be best served away from Liverpool.