Former Liverpool goalkeeper David James has questioned the Reds’ supposed approach for Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke.
Brendan Rodgers saw his star forward Raheem Sterling leave the club last week, when the wantaway forward completed a £49 million transfer to Manchester City [Telegraph].
The majority of the Sterling windfall looks set to leave Anfield immediately, with Sky Sports reporting that the Merseysiders had met Benteke’s £32.5 million release clause at Aston Villa.
The BBC reported on Monday that the Belgium international was set for a medical at Villa Park, and a deal would be completed within 48 hours.
Despite his qualities—he managed 49 goals in 101 appearances for Villa, for example—question marks remain over the forward, particularly concerning his patchy injury record, and it remains to be seen whether he justifies the considerable outlay.
James is one such doubter, and, speaking to talkSPORT, doesn’t see that the 24-year-old hitman represents value for money.
“I’m surprised with Liverpool’s interest in Christian Benteke,” James began, speaking on the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast show.
“He had a good run into the end of the season with Aston Villa but I can’t understand how he’s a Liverpool style player, especially the way Brendan Rodgers likes to play.
“Everybody has a price but £32.5million is a lot of money.”
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James’s negative comments come in contrast to those of Paul Lambert, who was dismissed as Villa manager midway through last season.
The Scot, speaking to Sky Sports News [as per the Mirror], has backed his former charge to thrive on Merseyside: “He will score all types of goals. If you look at the way he plays, especially his first year at Aston Villa, where he was a phenomenon,” the Champions League winner began.
“I think he is one of the best number nines I have seen in a long time,” Lambert added.