12 Aug 2016

Deal Close? Boost for Liverpool as boss confirms transfer for 'wonderful' £32m attacker is a possibility

Earlier this week, Sky Sports 'sources' claimed that Liverpool striker Christian Benteke has 'agreed' a deal to sign for Besiktas, and it appears that the reports about this particular transfer are 100% true.

When asked last week about Benteke, Klopp told reporters:

"It makes sense [for Benteke] to go to another club. If there’s an offer, we will think about it".

On Tuesday, Sky Sports claimed:

* Several teams are interested in Benteke, who has 'agreed terms' with Besiktas.

* Liverpool are willing to sell, but 'will not consider bids lower than around £32.5m'.

When asked last night about Benteke, Besiktas vice-president Ahmet Nur Cebi told reporters:

“Benteke is a player we are interested in. We are pushing for him and we want him to be transferred to the club.”

Further reports in Turkey suggest that Besiktas are only willing to spend €25m, which is way off the Reds' valuation, so unless the Turkish giants pony up the cash, it looks like Liverpool are content to pay Benteke £140k-a-week to rot on the bench over the next year.

West Brom have also reportedly joined the race for Benteke, so there appear to be plenty of clubs vying for the Belgian's signature.

And why not? When encouraged, trusted, and utilised correctly (three things Klopp singularly failed to do last season), Benteke - described by ex-Reds boss Brendan Rodgers as a 'wonderful' signing - is a quality striker, and under a manager who believes in him, Benteke will thrive.

That said, it's clear that Benteke isn't in Jurgen Klopp's plans, so a transfer is best for both parties, and a deal in the current window is the ideal outcome for everyone.


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