So Liverpool aren’t willing to spend £32.5m on Christian Benteke. Not unless they get their £90m for Raheem Sterling anyway.
It seems that Aston Villa’s stubbornness regarding their main Belgian striker – and, let’s face it, their only striker – is paying off with reports suggesting that Liverpool are cooling their interest in the big man. Benteke, who has two years left on his contract at Villa Park, has a release clause of £32.5m but Brendan Rodgers isn’t interested.
Instead, he’s looking elsewhere.
Liverpool are closing in on Colombia’s free-scoring striker, Carlos Bacca, as a cheaper alternative to Benteke. The 28-year-old, who is averaging a goal every other game with Sevilla, will cost the Reds a whole lot less even if they meet the attacker’s £21.5m release clause which they could well have to. Bacca, who scored twice in the final as Sevilla clinched the Europa League in May, is being closely watched by Anfield staff at the Copa America in Chile. (Liverpool Echo)
And it doesn’t end there. There are more South American links for Liverpool this morning with news that they’re after another striker in the form of Venezuelan international, Rondon. The Zenit St Petersburg forward banged in 20 goals last season for the Russians as they clinched the title and he could cost the Merseysiders £15m. Apparently. (Liverpool Echo)
But, if that wasn’t enough for you, Liverpool are also said to be gunning for Juventus forward, Fernando Llorente. The 30-year-old Spaniard is no stranger to a link or two, despite having played for just three clubs in a 13-year career. (Telegraph)
Elsewhere, Andrea Pirlo’s son, Niccolo Pirlo, looks to have let slip the destination of where his iconic father will ply his trade next season by posting a picture of a new club jersey. The outgoing Juventus midfielder has been linked with a number of teams – including Liverpool of course – but his future looks to lie elsewhere, if his 12-year-old son’s now deleted social media activity is to be believed. The young Italian took to Instagram to say goodbye to Turin as his 36-year-old dad gets set to leave the country for the first time. Not for the first time – but his first club outside of Ita-you know what we mean. It looks like his destination is alongside Frank Lampard at New York City.
Petr Cech is on his way to Arsenal. That’s if Arsenal would hurry up and give Chelsea the money. The goalkeeper has agreed terms with the Gunners but apparently the two clubs are not close to agreeing a fee. Classic Arsenal. (Sky Sports)
Southampton have joined the race – what race, we’re not sure – to sign Charlie Austin. Apparently a number of clubs – including Liverpool and Chelsea – have been vying for the signature of the QPR striker but we’re not so sure. But Ronald Koeman has joined the race – don’t be surprised to see him in that race alone for the rest of the summer. (Daily Express)
There are also reports that Raheem Sterling flew home from his holiday in Ibiza as Manchester City consider increasing their bid for the Liverpool attacker. We’re not sure why it was important to know that he flew home from his holiday. (Daily Mail)
News in Spain once again is linking Liverpool with Real Madrid midfielder, Illarramendi. Apparently the Reds have increased their offer to £16m for the 25-year-old Spaniard who is somewhat of a forgotten gem at the Bernabeu. (Marca)
And Manchester United are closing in on the want-away Sergio Ramos but you can read more about that here.
