---
title: "Benteke to spearhead Reds transfer surge"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/news/benteke-to-spearhead-reds-transfer-surge/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Ben Smith"
section: "Liverpool News"
published: "2015-05-23T20:50:28Z"
modified: "2015-05-23T21:53:30Z"
---

# Benteke to spearhead Reds transfer surge

Liverpool are planning a host of transfers, primarily a £30m move for Christian Benteke, to help them close the gap on the Premier League’s top sides, according to Jonathan Northcroft of *The Sunday Times*.

The Reds also hope that the deals will persuade Raheem Sterling to sign a new contract at the club.

Northcroft reports that James Milner and Danny Ings, both of whom are out of contract in the summer, are primary targets, as well as Fiorentina goalkeeper Neto.

Benteke, the man at the top of Liverpool’s wanted list, is valued at £30m, but Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood said on Friday that he believes the Belgian is happy at Villa Park.

Manchester City have offered Milner a new four-year deal worth £165,000, but the England midfielder wants regular first team football in central midfield, something Liverpool can offer him if he joins them on a free transfer.

Burnley’s Ings, who would cost around £6m in compensation, will choose Liverpool over David Moyes’ Real Sociedad, while Neto is the Reds’ main goalkeeping target, and Australian stopper Matthew Ryan is also being monitored.

Twenty-five-year-old Neto has been in the Brazil squad and played at the 2012 London Olympics, while Ryan, 23, has 20 caps for Australia.

Brendan Rodgers’ relationship with Sterling remains strong, and the club are still willing to deal with his agent Aidy Ward.