Champions League finalists Atletico Madrid have stepped up their pursuit for Liverpool frontman Christian Benteke. The Belgian has been tipped to leave Merseyside after he fell-out-favour under Jurgen Klopp last term.
The 25-year-old is currently below the likes of Daniel Sturridge and Divock Origi in the pecking order for the centre-forward role.
Spanish source Fichajes claims that Atleti have opened up talks with the Reds for the player with coach Diego Simeone desperate to bring in a new striker to his ranks ahead of the 2016/17 season.
It is also reported that the Reds would be willing to offload their asset provided the La Liga outfit match their £24.7m valuation.
Meanwhile, the player’s representatives has dismissed the speculation by reaffirming his client’s desire to remain at Liverpool.
Benteke largely misfired following his switch from Aston Villa in 2015 and was restricted to just 15 league starts through the previous campaign.
Source: The Transfer Rumour Mill