Liverpool reluctant to let Benteke leave on loan this summer10:01, 4 AUG 2016 UPDATED 10:20, 4 AUG 2016
BY NEIL JONES
Liverpool still holding out for £30m permanent deal for out of favour Belgian
Liverpool are reluctant to let Christian Benteke leave on loan before the transfer window closes.The Reds are keen to offload the Belgian international striker, who has not featured at all during this pre-season despite being fit and available.
Benteke is behind Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi, Roberto Firmino, Danny Ings and new signing Sadio Mane in the Anfield pecking order, and is keen to secure more playing time.
The 25-year-old cost Liverpool £32.5m when joining from Aston Villa last year, and is interesting a host of Premier League clubs at present.
Crystal Palace appeared to be frontrunners for his signature earlier in the summer , but with Liverpool adamant that Benteke will not be allowed to leave for less than £30m, that deal has stalled.
Sunderland, West Ham, Hull City and, intriguingly, Everton have also been linked with a move.It has been suggested that Benteke would be willing to consider a loan switch, but Liverpool are unlikely to sanction that, with Jurgen Klopp prepared to keep the forward in his squad if no permanent deal can be agreed.Benteke scored 10 goals in all competitions last season despite featuring only sporadically after Christmas, and there has been no fallout between player and manager.
Klopp has already offloaded a host of fringe first-team players, including Jordon Ibe, Martin Skrtel, Brad Smith and Joe Allen, meaning much of Liverpool’s summer spending has been covered by sales.
More players are expected to depart before the end of the month, with Luis Alberto interesting a number of Championship clubs, and Jon Flanagan mulling over a possible loan move. Lucas Leiva, too, is being persistently linked with a transfer to Galatasaray.
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/liverpool-reluctant-benteke-leave-loan-11702867
