Liverpool have made Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke their number one target for the summer, but will have to fight off competition from arch rivals Manchester United for the Belgian’s signature, Chris Bascombe of the Telegraph reports.
After a serious lack of goals in comparison to the Reds’ last season total and missing out on Champions League qualification, 24 year old forward Benteke has been identified as a suitable acquisition to help add real strength and quality to the starting eleven. Liverpool reportedly have close links with Aston Villa’s head of recruitment, Paddy Reilly, a former LFC employee.
Manchester United will also monitor his situation, with Radamel Falcao returning to Monaco and Robin Van Persie potentially leaving too.
Benteke was a stand out when Villa and Liverpool met at Wembley last month in the FA Cup Semi Final, where Villa ran out 2-1 winners. He will feature in the final on Saturday.
Aston Villa value their main man at £30m, but Tim Sherwood believes that he will sign a new contract at Villa Park. Sherwood has revitalised the striker’s form since his arrival, and has spoken well of the powerful frontman.
“Christian is only a young man but he’s very mature in the way he behaves. I think he’s handled the situation well. I have no reason to believe he wants to seek employment elsewhere. He seems to be very happy here. He knows there are big games coming up and I think he wants to be at this football club.”
