In a move that will delight the vast majority of Liverpool fans, the club has decided not to press ahead with plans to bid for Christian Benteke, with officials said to be turned off by the huge £32million release clause that was rumoured to be inserted in his contract a couple of years ago upon signing his latest deal.
According to Jason Burt of The Telegraph, the Reds are looking into the possibility of bringing one of either Fernando Llorente from Juventus or Carlos Bacca of Sevilla as their high-profile alternative to the Aston Villa striker.
The age of both forwards looks to be heading against FSG’s policy of buying younger potential, with Llorente being 30, and Bacca, who reportedly has a release clause of €30m, at 28 years of age.
Having also signed James Milner this summer, it could be seen as a step in a new direction when it comes to Liverpool’s transfer strategy.
Bacca has been a prolific striker in La Liga, yet his current side Sevilla are suggesting that they don’t want to part ways with the forward, but things are quite different with Spanish striker Llorente.
The Juventus hitman has seen his position become uncertain in recent weeks, with the imminent signing of Mario Mandzukic for the Old Lady, who have also signed Argentine forward Paul Dybala from Palmero.
Llorente is thought to be available for around £12million, but Liverpool could undercut this fee and try for cheaper.
