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

A report from talkSPORT has claimed Christian Benteke is expected to undergo a medical at Liverpool on Monday as the Reds appear to have hijacked the move from Manchester United.

Liverpool are thought to be baulking at the valaution of the Aston Villa striker initially, but have now triggered his release clause, as per BBC. Now it seems boss Brendan Rodgers has decided to go in for Benteke after the club received £49 million from the sale of Raheem Sterling.

Manchester United appear to be the leading candidate for the Belgium international striker with the Sun’s report, on Wednesday, saying that the Old Trafford club have agreed to activate the £32.5 million fee for the former Genk striker.

Benteke had also dropped a hint that he fancies a move to United on twitter, having favourited a tweet linking him with a move to the Old Trafford club.

Powerful, strong in the air and with a killer instinct, Benteke would have been a huge success at United.  The striker’s hold-up play is great, and this would have been of huge advantage to United’s pacy wingers in Depay and Di Maria, if the latter does not leave.

Manchester United should have immediately have the deal wrapped up but now Liverpool appear to be faster in negotiations for the powerful Belgian.

Now the Old Trafford club will have to set their sights on other available striking options to complement Wayne Rooney – who has become the club’s only senior striker since Radamel Falcao and Robin Van Persie’s departures.

United boss, Louis Van Gaal has confirmed he is looking to strengthen “at least” two more positions in his team, with Pedro also a target.

Defenders Sergio Ramos and Nicolas Otamendi are also on the wanted list of the 20-time EPL champions. Since joining Aston Villa in 2012, Benteke has scored an impressive 42 goals in 88 appearances despite being injured at times.