The Daily Express has revealed that Liverpool are going to match Aston Villa star Christian Benteke‘s £32.5 million release clause.
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However, the Reds could do better than the Belgium international, and here are six examples of players they should go after instead.
6) Alexandre Lacazette, Olympique Lyonnais
Top scorer in Ligue 1 last season with 27 goals, more than much lauded players such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Edinson Cavani. Available according to the Daily Express, surely he would be better than Benteke, who lets not forget had netted just three times before Tim Sherwood took over at Villa Park.
5) Javier Hernandez, Manchester United
When Karim Benzema picked up an injury at the business end of the last campaign, the loanee stepped in and did not disappoint. Proven in the Premier League and Champions League, plus Louis van Gaal appears to not want him at Old Trafford.
4) Mauro Icardi, Inter Milan
Already a key player at the San Siro despite being just 22-years-old, and would be able to deal with the pressure at Anfield as a result. Could be a great player to develop at the Merseyside club.
3) Saido Berahino, West Brom
The 21-year-old does have some discipline problems and may have had his goalscoring totals boosted by penalties, but he is undoubtedly talented. Would also fit in to the young, English profile that many of the Reds’ signings have.
2) Gonzalo Higuain, Napoli
A top class player but might be too expensive for Liverpool. Their lack of Champions League football could also be an issue, but a move for the 27-year-old would be a massive statement of intent to the rest of the Premier League.
1) Salomon Rondon, Zenit St. Petersburg
20 goals in 44 appearances for the Russian side last season, and could convert this to the English game. Brilliant in the air, the Venezuela international may even be a better option than Benteke at his own strength.