Liverpool will reportedly offer Fabio Borini to Aston Villa in an attempt to edge ahead in the race for Christian Benteke.
The Belgian striker is expected to leave Villa Park this summer and has been linked with Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur as well as Liverpool.
The Reds had previously baulked at Benteke’s £32.5m release clause, but are ready to reignite their interest after seeing top target Carlos Bacca opt for AC Milan.
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However, Anfield bosses would still be reluctant to pay that sum and are therefore planning to offer Borini in part-exchange, according to The Independent.
The Italian forward has scored only three goals in three seasons since joining Liverpool from Roma for £12m. He spent the 2013-14 campaign on loan at Sunderland and made just three Premier League starts upon his return last term.
The 24-year-old will be offload as part of Brendan Rodgers’s attacking reshuffle, which has already seen Roberto Firmino and Danny Ings join Divock Origi in the striking ranks for next season.
But Rodgers still wants to add an out-and-out goalscorer and is hopeful that a player-plus cash deal can be struck for Benteke, who found the net 14 times last season to help Villa avoid relegation.
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