Liverpool Transfer News: Christian Benteke Is Luis Suarez Replacement?

Mail Online, Liverpool would consider bidding for Aston Villa youngster Christian Benteke should Luis Suarez ask to leave Anfield 22-year-old Belgium striker Benteke is being viewed as a potential replacement for the Uruguayan forward who is courting interest from Real Madrid. Aston Villa are set to try a negotiate a new deal with Benteke once he returns from international duties but with Liverpool, Tottenham and Borussia Dortmund all being linked with the striker, any potential deal between the player and Aston Villa could be hijacked. Benteke scored 19 goals in 34 league appearances last season, the fourth highest in the league just behind Robin van Persie (26), Luis Suarez (23) and Gareth Bale (21). Suarez is being linked with a £25 million move to Spanish side Real Madrid and despite Suarez stating he wishes to leave the Premier League, Liverpool have demanded the player hand in a written transfer request if he wishes to leave Anfield. Benteke signed for Aston Villa at the end of last summer for a fee believed to be in region of £7 million. His performances throughout the season are one of the main reasons why Villa were able to escape the drop and with a hat-trick against Sunderland as well as netting two to grab a much needed away draw at Everton in February, Beneteke has been a bargain for the Villans. Any potential deal between Liverpool and Villa depends on whether Suarez leaves Merseyside or not but with Liverpool asking for around £50 million for the Uruguayan it is unclear whether Madrid will match the asking fee.