If reports from various UK sources are anything to go by, Manchester United are close to sealing the capture of Belgium international striker, Chris Benteke from Aston Villa. This is despite reports that Liverpool are willing to pay his release clause. Some reports claim the player prefers a move to United ahead of Liverpool due to Champions league football.
Following the departures of Radamel Falcao and Robin Van Persie, the Old Trafford club are eyeing a world-class frontman this summer, with Roberto Lewandowski, Thomas Muller and Karim Benzema some of their targets.
Villa Striker, Benteke now seems to be the likely candidate the Red Devils have chosen to lead the line next term.
The Sun claims United have agreed to meet the striker’s £32.5 million valuation and the deal is likely to be completed next week (via Metro).
Liverpool and Chelsea have been linked with the 24-year ex-Genk striker, but the Anfield boss, Brendan Rodgers was deterred by the £32.5 million asking price. Despite recently pocketing £49 million naira from the sale of Raheem Sterling to Man City, the Anfield club are still baulking at the price of Benteke.
Chelsea’s Eden Hazard – Benteke’s international team mate – also spoke of his desire to have the striker join him at Stamford Bridge, as he has a very strong relationship with the Aston Villa striker.
Benteke also dropped a hint that he fancies a move to United on twitter yesterday by favouriting a tweet linking him with a move to the Old Trafford club.
Powerful, strong in the air and with a killer instinct, Benteke is sure to succeed at United, should he join. The striker’s hold-up play is also great, and this will be of huge advantage to United’s pacy wingers in Depay and Di Maria, if the latter does not leave.
Manchester United will definitely want to have this deal wrapped up before other suitors come in with a better offer.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils still retain interest in Real Madrid’s defender, Sergio Ramos, and the Premier League club have returned with a improved £45 million final offer for the 28-year old experienced star.