Christian Benteke has been heavily linked with a move away from Aston Villa this summer, with several major sides believed to be keen on his services.
READ MORE:
Six bizarre transfers that could follow Ings & Falcao, with shock Arsenal & Liverpool deals
10 players who could define next season’s Premier League, featuring Arsenal and Man Utd stars
Ranking Liverpool’s five most expensive signings including Roberto Firmino
Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have all been linked with the Belgium international, although it is Liverpool who appear to have the advantage over their EPL rivals.
The forward has a £32.5 million buy-out clause, and having confirmed that he will not be signing a new deal at Villa Park, he may yet be one of the big movers of the summer window.
However, would he be the right man for Anfield?
In this feature we profile five strikers that Brendan Rodgers should consider ahead of Benteke.
Ezequiel Lavezzi
Paris Saint-Germain are understood to be keen on shifting some of their ageing under-performers this summer as they make way for new talent, and Ezequiel Lavezzi may find himself in the firing line.
The Argentina international is a hard-worker and can distinguish himself in a central position or on the flank, however, might Rodgers be dissuaded by his underwhelming season in Paris?
Gonzalo Higuain
The Argentine striker has been linked with a move to Premier League trio Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United, although as yet, none of the three have made a move for the Napoli man.
Currently on international duty with Argentina at the Copa America, the forward has indicated that he is looking for a change of scene this summer. Could he be Anfield’s new darling?
Dries Mertens
Another Napoli player linked with a move away from the San Paolo this summer is Dries Mertes, with the Belgian forward having been targeted by Everton [Liverpool Echo].
The attacker—who is more of a winger than a centre-forward—could be a dazzling option for the Reds and a potentially ideal replacement for Raheem Sterling.
Similarly, the prospect of beating the Toffees to the 28-year-old would surely appeal in some corners of Anfield.
Alex Lacazette
Despite being considered as the long-term future of Olympique Lyonnais, it’s not yet certain that Alex Lacazette will still be at the club next season.
The forward has been tempted by a move away from the club, and OL have responded by looking to tie the France international down to a new deal.
Could Liverpool take advantage of the striker’s uncertain situation at the Stade Gerland and bring him to Anfield?
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Another PSG forward who has been linked with a move to Merseyside is Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The Swedish superstar would be a high-profile addition to Anfield’s front line, and while the class he has demonstrated throughout his career cannot be disputed, at 33, questions might be asked about his long-term prospects.
However, he is the kind of name who could bring a much-needed splash of star power back to Liverpool.