Aston Villa's Christian Benteke (Photo : Reuters)
Belgium international Christian Benteke expressed his eagerness to leave English Premier League club Aston Villa to move to rival team Liverpool FC and said he will talk to manager Tim Sherwood to request for a release, as per The Guardian.
However, Sherwood and Villa are reportedly keen on keeping the 24-year-old striker, who had scored 12 goals playing under the English coach last season for the Birmingham giants.
The Lions are firm that they will not allow Benteke to be transferred to any club unless the £32.5 million exit clause in his contract is fulfilled. But the former Genk forward had stressed that he has "no desire to remain," which many football analysts believe may imperil the team's on-pitch chemistry next season if he indeed stays.
It was reported that the primary reason why Benteke was asking for a transfer is his displeasure of "playing for a club fighting relegation" for three straight seasons. He clearly wanted a new environment and direction and The Reds are reportedly willing to give him that.
While Brendan Rodgers is open to the idea of acquiring the Belgian, Liverpool is allegedly unwilling "to meet the release clause" in the striker's contract as the management finds it overpriced. The club is said to be ready to move on with their other targets if Villa would not give in to the standoff.
Meanwhile, ESPN indicated that there is only a 55 percent chance that the transfer will happen especially with all the bargaining involved.
Villa remains fixed on enforcing the exit clause and is reportedly fine if Benteke stays for one more season. Sherwood has a history of getting the best out of unhappy players and his tactics will again be tested if no deal will materialize.
