There’s only one real Christian Benteke story, it’s the one where Liverpool either put up £32.5 million (the alleged release clause) for him or shut up. However, that doesn’t stop the media coming up with different ‘will he, won’t he go’ stories despite no fresh news or quotes in the past few days. Essentially, they just feed on Aston Villa fan’s fear and Liverpool fans desperation.
You’re recommended to ignore such headlines, although there was one rumour worth mentioning as it could potentially mean Liverpool would end their pursuit of Benteke (if they are indeed after his services).
Several newspapers have suggested that Liverpool have their sights on Manchester City’s Stevan Jovetic and are considering biding around £16 million, making the Montenegro striker less than half the price of Benteke.
Jovetic was cut from City’s Champion’s League Squad in 2014/15 and is fourth choice behind Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko and Wilfried Bony. In truth, since signing from Fiorentina two years ago, Jovetic hasn’t really been given a chance and the majority of his 30 Premier League appearances have been from the bench.
Many Liverpool fans seem to think the mobile Jovetic as suiting their style of play more than Benteke, and less of a risk at the price. Although dismissing Benteke as simply the big man that encourages a more direct approach is a little bit naive and shows a lack of appreciation of the Belgian striker.
Certainly, if Raheem Sterling’s transfer out of Liverpool stalls, a move that would have to happen to trigger any signing of Benteke, then Jovetic may become a more viable option with Brendan Rodgers wanting to bed down all his new signings asap in pre season.
Other transfer stuff
Meanwhile Swedish left-back Ludwig Augustinsson who currently plies his trade with FC Copenhagen, has declared he intends to stay playing in Denmark, despite interest from the both Villa and Liverpool.
“All my focus is on FC Copenhagen and I have only thought about working again with my colleagues,” said Augustinsson on his club’s website. Well, we’ll see about that.
Villa are waiting on what seem to be visa formalities to secure the services of Idrissa Gueye from Lille. Shouldn’t be too long for the announcement.
UTV
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