Liverpool’s search for alternatives to Christian Benteke has now led to Venezuelan forward Salomon Rondon.
Aston Villa have made it clear that their striker Benteke will only leave if a club matches his £32.5 million release clause, something Liverpool reluctant to do.
Reports emerged yesterday about Carlos Bacca being shortlisted as a potential signing and more recently, Rondon has also been looked at, according to the Liverpool Echo.
Rondon is currently plying his trade in Russia with Zenit St. Petersburg. The 25-year-old started his career in Venezuela with Aragua before moving to play for Las Palmas in Spain’s second tier.
After impressing, he made his move up to the La Liga with Malaga where he scored a total of 27 goals in 72 appearances.
From there, he moved to Russian outfit Rubin Kazan for €10 million in 2012. After that, Zenit came calling and signed the player for approximately £15.8 million at the start of 2014. He scored a number of goals and heavily contributed to Zenit’s title win.
He also has a substantial number of caps for Venezuela and has scored 13 goals for them; the last of them coming against Colombia last Sunday in the Copa America. It is thought that the Zenit will be seeking around £15 million for the player.
It is reported that Liverpool officials are at the tournament observing a number of players including Brazilian Roberto Firmino.
