West Bromwich Albion are set to make a move for Liverpool striker, Christian Benteke, according to a report in DH.
The Belgian, currently injured, looks to be out in the cold at Anfield as new manager Jurgen Klopp begins plans to shape his squad ahead of next season.
Benteke joined from recently relegated Aston Villa last summer, as Brendan Rodgers was again backed with money ahead of a new season.
Despite owners FSG shelling out £30m+ for the imposing forward, he’s not really come close to justifying anywhere near that sort of fee.
He has, though, still scored goals – currently sitting 5th in Liverpool’s goals scored table for this campaign.
Eight league goals – his current tally – doesn’t make a striker, though, and certainly not one that cost such a large sum of cash.
COULD THE BAGGIES AFFORD HIM?
A stumbling block could be money, more specifically wages and a fee to be paid to Liverpool.
Benteke is unlikely to want to leave the heights of Merseyside for a lot less than he’s being paid now.
Liverpool won’t be keen to keep a striker who looks surplus to requirements, though. If that is the case, then any fee would be significantly lower than what was originally paid last July.
WOULD HE JOIN WEST BROM?
The Baggies do hold some aces in this pursuit. They could definitely offer him more game time than it looks like he’ll receive at Liverpool.
If Saido Berahino does finally leave the Hawthorns, then there is space for someone to be brought in.
Tony Pulis is another element in the equation too. He likes a big striker, one who can hold up play and score goals. Benteke does fit that bill.
The prospect of a move from Liverpool to West Brom may appeal as an opportunity to get his career back on track.
If or when Benteke is made available for transfer, there will be no shortage of suitors. He has proved, admittedly only in spells this season, that he can mix it in the Premier League.
