Liverpool ready to bid £32.5m to snare Christian Benteke

Liverpool are set to trigger Christian Benteke’s £32.5 million (€46.6m) release clause after changing their valuation of the Aston Villa striker.

Manager Brendan Rodgers made the Belgium international his primary target to strengthen his forward line at the end of last season but for a long time the club were reluctant to meet the figure needed to spark a move.

Villa were adamant they would not budge on the clause but, after selling Raheem Sterling to Manchester City in a £49m (€70m) deal this week, Liverpool have now relented and will make their approach to the midlanders.