Liverpool FC

Christian Benteke heading for Liverpool FC exit without Jurgen Klopp guarantee

Christian Benteke is expected to leave Liverpool after failing to receive assurances from Jurgen Klopp over a starting role for next season.

The Belgium international has failed to cement a first-team place at Anfield since securing his £32 million move last summer, finding himself behind international teammate Divock Origi and Daniel Sturridge in the Reds pecking order.

And the Daily Mail claim that that Benteke, who struck 10 goals in just 20 starts, has already sought guarantees over playing time for the 2016-17 campaign; something that Klopp has been unable to provide.

Speaking ahead of this summer’s European Championships in France, the 26-year-old recently appeared resigned to his fate.

He said: “It was tough but I knew Liverpool was a massive club with a lot of pressure, with a lot of good players and it wasn’t easy but I keep going.

“I never doubt myself and I am going to now focus on the Euros and we will see next season. I signed for five years.

“I didn’t sign for one year but now I have to speak with the manager and see his plan for next season.

“In the beginning it was really not easy to accept that to be honest but after you are used to it and the only thing is to work hard and you have to respect the choice of the manager and that’s it.

“What gets said is between him and me but I want to see his plan for next season. I am not the only one who is going to do that.”

Premier League champions Leicester City and West Ham have been credited with an interest in the former Aston Villa man, who now looks set to leave Anfield in the coming months.