Liverpool striker Christian Benteke might have failed to recapture the kind of form that saw the Reds splash out big money to bring him in from Aston Villa during the summer, but the Belgian still has his admirers with West Han United chairman David Sullivan confirming that they’re interested in the 25-year old — though he admits his wage would be a massive stumbling block to any potential transfer.
“The problem is he is on such a huge wage that no club can afford him,” said the Hammers co-owner when asked about the big hit-man and their rumoured interest in bringing him to the Olympic Stadium when the transfer window opens this summer. “But he is a player that we admire.”
Benteke, who is on a massive £120,000k per week salary at Anfield, would have to lower his expectations quite a bit if he wants to run out for the Irons next year, but he’s not exactly nailed on to leave Merseyside this summer. Continually backed by Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, the struggling striker supposedly remains part of his plans. The German manager played down the two of them exchanging heated words at the end of their shocking 3-2 loss to Southampton at the weekend, brushing aside suggestions that he tore a strip off the attacker after he missed a gilt edged opportunity in the closing stages.
“Everyone knows his qualities,” said Liverpool ‘keeper Simon Mignolet when asked about Benteke by the Liverpool ECHO. “When you’re a footballer, you want to play in all the matches and it’s not easy when you’re on the bench,” continued the Belgian, before explaining that his compatriot doing everything he can to impress Klopp. “He’s continuing to work hard at training and for his place. He does his best every day.”
