Liverpool are poised to make their seventh major signing of the summer after agreeing to activate the release clause in Christian Benteke’s Aston Villa contract.
According to the Liverpool Echo, the Reds are “on the brink” of signing the 24-year-old for £32.5m.
Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur were also said to be keen on Benteke, but Liverpool appear to have won the race for his signature, despite finishing below both clubs in the Premier League last season.
Benteke scored 15 goals in 34 league and FA Cup games for Villa last season.
He has netted seven times in 24 senior international appearances for Belgium.
SEE ALSO: Why Christian Benteke would be better suited to Manchester United than Liverpool
Liverpool have already spent £34.8m on first-team talent this summer.
Joe Gomez joined from Charlton for £3.5m, Roberto Firmino arrived from Hoffenhein for £21.3m and Nathanial Clyne signed from Southampton for £10m, plus potential add-ons.
Adam Bogdan and James Milner have moved to Anfield on free transfers, while Danny Ings joined from Burnley, although a compensation package has yet to be agreed with the Clarets.
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