Liverpool have reportedly opened talks with Aston Villa over the possible transfer of star attacker Christian Benteke.
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Reds boss Brendan Rodgers is looking to overhaul his attack following a disappointing season and is understood to be desperate to bring Benteke to Anfield with flops Mario Balotelli and Rickie Lambert seemingly on the way out in the summer.
According to Metro, Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group have made contact with Aston Villa in an attempt to bring in a quality centre-forward this summer.
Benteke is believed to be Liverpool’s number one transfer target this summer, but Villa are keen to keep hold of their star man and FSG will have to dig deep into their coffers to sign the Belgian international.
The 24-year-old is valued at £40m by Aston Villa according to Metro, but Liverpool are understood to be using Rickie Lambert as bait to bring the transfer fee down.
Villa were interested in Lambert’s services in January, and The Mirror reports that the Reds will offer the England international to Villa as part of a deal that brings Benteke to Anfield.
Lambert chose to remain at Liverpool and fight for his place in January, but has been heavily linked with a move away from his boyhood club, with AFC Bournemouth, Crystal Palace and Villa all reportedly interested in his services over the summer.
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