Red Devils to join striker chase?
Manchester United could be ready to rival Liverpool for the signing of Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke in this summer’s transfer window, according to the Daily Mail.
The Belgian international is reported as wanting out of Villa Park this summer, though the Mail does not expect the player to force a move in the manner that Raheem Sterling did at Liverpool prior to his move to Manchester City, which was confirmed on BBC Sport earlier this week.
Sterling’s exit from Anfield gives Liverpool more money to spend in the transfer market, with the BBC saying an initial fee of £44m has been received, with the potential of rising to £49m, so a striker like Benteke is not out of their price range.
The Mail reiterates that the 24-year-old has a release clause of £32.5m at Villa, which Liverpool are supposedly unwilling to pay at the moment, though United’s growing interest could change things.
With Radamel Falcao and Robin van Persie both leaving Old Trafford this summer, Louis van Gaal is short of quality options up front, with Wayne Rooney now the club’s only recognised senior striker, though new-boy Memphis Depay can also play there if needed.
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Manchester United transfer news
Villa manager Tim Sherwood confirmed interest from Brendan Rodgers’ side in signing Benteke, and despite the Mail’s report of interest from United, it seems the Reds are still the favourites to land the exciting Premier League front-man.
“I think Liverpool have shown an interest but there’s not been a bid worth considering,” the former Tottenham boss said. “They’ve got six or seven strikers themselves at the moment – they’ve just taken two new ones in as well.
“They’ve got Divock Origi back, they’ve got Danny Ings, the Brazilian boy Roberto Firmino for £29m – they’ve got a few options there.”