Turkish champions Besiktas have stepped up efforts to sign Liverpool striker on a one-year loan after offering the Reds €4.5 million towards his wages next season according to Yeni Safak.
The powerful striker looks certain for a summer exit after Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp dropped Benteke from the match day squad against Arsenal in their first Premier League game of the season.
Benteke’s absence was not felt as Liverpool went onto win the game against the Gunners 4-3 at the Emirates.
Besiktas have made no secret of their desire to sign Benteke with vice-president Ahmet Nur Cebi confirming that the striker is wanted on loan.
“Benteke is a player we are interested, we are pushing for him and would want him to be transferred to the club.” Cebi revealed to Emre Sarigul.
The Istanbul giants president Fikret Orman also revealed that he wants Benteke at the club but underlined that the transfer will not be easy to pull off.
“Benteke is a great player but he has a very high market valuation,” Orman was quoted as saying by Turkish-football.
“I want Benteke but Liverpool want a lot for him, it won’t be an easy transfer but we will see.”
Liverpool want to sell Benteke on a permanent deal and Crystal Palace have been in talks with but the Reds want £32 million for the Belgium international according to the Mirror.
The Reds asking price is proving to be a sticking point and Besiktas feel that if their valuation is not met going into next week, the Premier League giants may accept a loan bid to avoid paying Benteke to sit in the reserves.
Benteke scored 10 goals in all competitions for the Reds last season and has another four-years left on his contract.
Follow Emre Sarigul @Turkish_Futbol