Liverpool rejected Crystal Palace’s bid for Belgium international Christian Benteke because the deal involved an unrealistic clause involving The Eagles qualifying for the Champions League, according to The Telegraph.
The Reds swiftly rejected a bid from The Eagles due to the £7 million in add-ons, the conditions of which seemed very unrealistic. Liverpool want to sell the striker, but are also keen to recoup as much of the £32.5 million they spent on him last summer.
With just £23.5million upfront, they felt the offer was unacceptable, especially with clauses requiring Palace to qualify for the Champions League, Benteke to score 20 goals in that season alone, and for him to play a part in 70% of the matches.
The other clauses revolved around Premier League survival, so seem more likely to be fulfilled, but The Reds felt the Champions League clause was unlikely to ever be paid.
Palace have a large amount of interest in the former Aston Villa striker, and the feeling is mutual from the player himself. When Liverpool do finally accept a bid for the striker, he is likely to complete a move to Selhurst Park relatively quickly, where he will be hoping to kickstart his career again.
There were high hopes for the 25-year-old when he moved from Villa Park to Anfield 12 months ago, but things haven’t worked out for him.
A number of other teams have also expressed an interest this summer including Everton and West Bromwich Albion, however, Benteke has made it clear he wants a move to Palace.
