Christian Benteke would be a ‘great signing’ for Liverpool this summer, according to former Reds star John Barnes.
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Interestingly, Barnes’ comments come on the same day that Aston Villa have been linked with a potential replacement for their in-form striker – Queens Park Rangers star Charlie Austin, another player who has been linked with the Reds.
Benteke has scored 15 goals in all competitions this season, with 12 of those coming in the last 11 games. In fact, the 24-year-old has netted a total of 49 goals in 99 games for the Midlands side since joining them in 2012, an impressive return for a club that’s been regularly battling relegation in recent years.
Asked about the possibility of the player moving to Liverpool this summer, Barnes told talkSPORT: “Christian Benteke would be a great signing for Liverpool. Daniel Sturridge is a good player but he’s not going to be fit until September or October.
“What Liverpool have lacked is a presence up front. They have good approach play, but have been unable to get the ball in the box.
“With Benteke, as well as playing the fluent football Liverpool can, they would also have the option of being a bit more direct. I would be excited about that if he comes.”
If we do make good on our interest in Benteke, it’s likely that the move will cost us in the region of £30m, with Villa obviously desperate to keep hold of their prize asset.
However, Tim Sherwood’s side have today given us one small indication that they might be willing to sell. Austin would be near enough a like-for-like replacement for Benteke, whose sale would comfortably fund a bid for the 25-year-old, who has scored 17 goals this season.
According to the Daily Star, a £15m bid is imminent.