Besiktas have become the third club to confirm interest in Liverpool striker Christian Benteke following vice-president Ahmet Nur Cebi revealing that the Belgium intentional is a transfer target for the club.
Cebi was quoted by Emre Sarigul as saying: “Benteke is a player we are interested, we are pushing for him and would want him to be transferred to the club.”
The Istanbul want the powerful striker on a loan deal but Liverpool are planning to sell him for their asking price.
Turkish sports newspaper Fanatik report that the Black giants are willing to offer a £2.58 million loan fee to cover part of his wages as part of the deal.
Besiktas will face competition from Crystal Palace who have matched his £32 million asking price according to the Mirror.
According to Sky Sports, West Brom have also now entered the race to sign Benteke.
Liverpool meanwhile are only likely to consider a loan deal only if their valuation is not met.
Benteke’s agent Eris Kismet recently told Emre Sarigul, that the Reds asking price was putting clubs off but it now seems that Palace are ready to press the button.
“Liverpool want to sell Benteke but clubs that are interested as unable to match his valuation,” Kismet said.
“Liverpool would probably have to reduce their asking price if a transfer is to go ahead.”
Benteke arrived on Merseyside from Aston Villa last summer after two prolific seasons at Villa Park, but he was unable to replicate that form for his new club.
Follow Emre Sarigul @Turkish_Futbol