Almost Done – Chelsea Target To Undergo Medical With Liverpool On Monday

Aston Villa striker, Christian Benteke is set to become a Liverpool player in the next few days, according to reports. Benteke will undergo a medical examination at the club on Monday after Liverpool agreed to trigger his release clause, talkSPORT understands.

The same source claims an Anfield insider revealed the deal could be concluded by early next week as the Belgian powerhouse is set to arrive Merseyside for his medicals on Monday.

Manchester United and Chelsea have been linked with the former Genk ace, but the Anfield boss, Brendan Rodgers has now decided to activate the £32.5 million asking price, having recently received £49 million from the sale of Raheem Sterling to Manchester City.

Chelsea’s Eden Hazard – Benteke’s international team mate – also spoke of his desire to have the striker, whom he has a “strong relationship” with, join him at Stamford Bridge. However, the Blues signed Colombian striker, Radamel Falcao instead.

Liverpool have issues in their striking department, as was evident last season in the incessant injuries to Daniel Sturridge and the inconsistencies plus loss of form of Mario Balotelli.

Rickie Lambert who was also signed from Southampton last summer failed to live up to expectations, as the Anfield club crashed out at the group stage level of the UEFA Champions League finished below the top six in the English Premier League.

Having signed six players – James Milner, Adam Bogdan, Nathan Clyne, Roberto Firmino, Danny Ings and Joe Gomez – to cover for virtually every positions in the team, Benteke’s arrival will serve as a huge boost. The 24-year old Belgian striker will be expected to lead the line for the Kops in the 2015-16 season.

The deal will serve as a huge boost to Brendan Rodgers as he looks to rebuild his attack following Sterling’s departure. It will also mean another blow to Aston Villa, who have just lost influential midfielder and club captain, Fabian Delph to the same team.

Meanwhile, Danny Ings has said he is unfazed by Benteke’s imminent arrival to the club. The U-21 England star will also compete with Daniel Sturridge, when fit and he has declared he is ready to face the challenge.

“At a club like this it is expected to sign top players”, Ings said. “I moved here knowing there were going to be big signings here on top of the quality that is already here.” (via Liverpool Echo).

Liverpool are currently on pre-season in Brisbane, Australia, with all the new signings bar 23-year old former Hoffenheim ace, Roberto Firmino.