Although it’s believed that Liverpool striker Christian Benteke would consider leaving the club on loan to secure regular first team football and jump start a flagging career, the Reds appear to be unwilling to entertain a temporary switch and instead would like to see him move on a permanent basis.
“Christian already said it maybe makes sense for him to go to another club and that’s the situation at this moment,” said Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, speaking to the press ahead of their friendly with Barcelona. “Christian is still a great striker and that’s how it is, but we have a few more strikers and in this moment it makes more sense to give them match time and that is what we did,” mused the German manager. “If there are clubs that want a striker from us they have to make real offers and are not hoping for anything else, otherwise we will find solutions.”
So far Crystal Palace have been the only club linked with a serious move for the Belgian despite interest from West Ham United earlier in the transfer window. The Eagles were rumoured to have agreed to match his massive wages, but wouldn’t budge on the Reds valuation as they look to recoup £30mil of the £32.5mil they paid Aston Villa for him last summer. Crosstown rivals Everton and perennial stragglers Sunderland are reportedly sniffing around the 25-year old, but any potential suitor will have to open their wallets if they want to secure his services.
“If there is a need on the other side then go for it – but not as a present,” stressed Klopp, keen to ward off any low-ball offers. That’s how transfers are. A few clubs try to gamble but we are not part of the gambling side. We are serious people, and if there is an offer we will think about it,” added the Liverpool manager. “We will see what happens but at the end if someone wants a player from us he has to pay as we have only good players.”
