Liverpool hope they can make a breakthrough on stalling talks with Aston Villa regarding the purchase of star striker Christian Benteke, reports Ian Herbert of the Independent.
The Reds have admitted defeat in the £21m chase to sign Sevilla striker Carlos Bacca, who appears set to sign for Serie A giants AC Milan.
Talks between Liverpool and Aston Villa have not progressed for some time, but they hope to ‘break the deadlock’ after stating they will not meet the Belgian forwards’ £32.5m release clause.
Tim Sherwood has stated that the Villains will not be selling their star striker for anything less than his release clause, but his hand may be forced if the 24-year-old has his heart set on playing elsewhere next season.
Having already added Roberto Firmino to their striking ranks this summer, it’s hard to see quite where Benteke fits into the current squad unless some sales are made, fast.
Rickie Lambert, Fabio Borini and Mario Balotelli are all being tipped to leave Anfield this summer, but they’re struggling to find takers for the underachieving trio, and could look to offer Lambert or Borini to Villa as part of a deal for Benteke.
It might just be a case of how much are the club willing to lose on these three, just to get them out the exit door.
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