West Ham United are reportedly leading the chase for out-of-favour Liverpool striker Christian Benteke.
The Belgian international has struggled since arriving from Aston Villa last summer in a £32.5 million transfer, however his return of seven goals in 24 Premier League appearances has severely underwhelmed.
Jurgen Klopp continues to back Benteke and stated that the front man still has a future at Anfield but the player, used as a substitute late into last night’s Europa League win over Manchester United, has failed to start a game since February’s FA Cup fourth round exit to West Ham.
With Daniel Sturridge continuing to lead the line as Liverpool’s first-choice striker and a source of goals emerging from attacking midfield, through Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino, the 25-year-old faces an unenviable challenge despite scoring the winning goal against Crystal Palace earlier this month.
The Hammers are believed to keen to add Benteke to their front line as part of their rebuilding plans under Slaven Bilic but his wage demands of £120,000 per week are likely to prove a stumbling block to any proposed move to the Olympic Stadium this summer.