Former Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler has spoken glowingly of the Reds’ transfer target Christian Benteke.
The Anfield club are working on a deal to secure the Belgian international’s services but a fee has not been agreed with Aston Villa.
Villa are requesting a bid closer to his release clause which is thought to be £32.5 million but Liverpool are reluctant to pay such a significant amount.
But despite links to other strikers, namely Carlos Bacca and Salomon Rondon, Benteke remains Brendan Rodgers’ number one target.
Fowler, who scored 183 goals in two spells with the club, voiced his opinion on Liverpool’s pursuit and stated that he would be perfect for the club. He told the Liverpool Echo:
“We didn’t have anyone who scored 10 Premier League goals last year and I can’t remember the last time that happened at Liverpool.
“It’s important we get a proven goalscorer and of the names being bandied about I’d go for Benteke. I think he’s excellent.
“I know there are other top strikers out there and probably more prolific scorers. But in terms of all-round play – strength, speed, physicality, finishing – I think Benteke could be the main man for Liverpool.”
The 24-year-old joined Aston Villa in 2012 from Belgian side Genk.
In his first campaign, he scored 19 goals in the league. The following season, he scored 10 league goals and last term he scored 13.
Together he has 49 goals in 101 appearances in all competitions.
Liverpool fans are struggling to warm to the striker as it’s thought his style of play would be different to Liverpool’s but Fowler thinks differently:
“I think we cross more balls into the box than any club in the league and I think Christian says he feeds off crosses.
“There’s no point going to a club where they don’t cross the ball.
“I think he’s ideal for the way Brendan wants to play. It’s probably what we lacked at times last season. We had forwards who wanted to drop deep to get involved with the play and we always had that gap up front.
“He scores goals, he’s a threat and a real handful for defenders. Being honest, I think he’s probably the perfect player for us.”
