Liverpool are set to make a move for Atletico Madrid striker Mario Mandzukic with the La Liga side already looking at Aston Villa’s Christian Benteke as a replacement, reports the Metro.
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The 29-year-old only joined the Rojiblancos last summer as a replacement for the Chelsea bound Diego Costa, but it would seem that manager Diego Simeone is already willing to let him go. This is despite him scoring 20 goals in 48 appearances in all competitions this season, helping Atleti to the quarter finals of the Champions League and the top three of La Liga.
The Reds are in need of a forward after failing to properly replace Luis Suarez before the campaign started. Mario Balotelli and Rickie Lambert arrived at Anfield, but neither has been able to score regularly, while Fabio Borini hasn’t continued the form he showed on loan at Sunderland.
Manager Brendan Rodgers also hasn’t been helped by that constant injury troubles of main striker Daniel Sturridge. The signing of Mandzukic could bring some much needed reliability up top as they attempt to get back in to the Champions League next time round.