Palace ‘cool interest’ in Benteke and ‘plan fresh £20m swoop’

Mark Scott
Saido Berahino: Reported target for Crystal Palace

Saido Berahino: Reported target for Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace have reportedly lined up a £20m move for Saido Berahino after growing frustrated in their pursuit of Christian Benteke.

The Eagles had made the Liverpool striker their main priority this summer but after his agent said that the Belgian is willing to fight for his place at Anfield, Alan Pardew has been exploring alternative options.

A report in The Sun has suggested that one alternative is Saido Berahino, who is believed to have rejected a new deal at West Brom to finally secure a move away from The Hawthorns.

The England U21 international is entering into the final year of his Baggies contract, and it is thought it would take a bid of £20m for West Brom to be willing to part ways with Berahino at this stage.

Stoke City have also been linked with the want-away striker, but Crystal Palace are said to be more eager to push through a deal in order to end their long, drawn-out search for a new forward.