Liverpool flop Rickie Lambert is closing in on a departure from Anfield as Christian Benteke nears his switch to join the Merseyside giants.
The Reds look set to sign Aston Villa’s Belgian striker after having met the 24-year-old’s £32.5 million fee release clause [Independent].
The hitman should claim the starting berth at Anfield, and the presence of Daniel Sturridge will ensure that competition is tight for the attacking spots next season.
However, while Benteke is beginning his journey at Liverpool, three of the club’s strikers have been linked to the exit door, having failed to impress last season.
Italian pair Fabio Borini and Mario Balotelli look to have come to the end of the road in the north-west [both Daily Post], while Rickie Lambert has also failed to flourish at his boyhood club.
The veteran England forward looks to be the first of the three to leave, with Sky Sports reporting that West Bromwich Albion are holding talks with the player on Wednesday to discuss a move.
Tony Pulis’s side have returned from their pre-season tour of the United States and is keen to bolster his offensive options ahead of the new season.
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Nigerian pair Victor Anichebe and Ideye Brown failed to impress last term, while Saido Berahino may not be at the club for much longer, having been linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur.
It remains to be seen, however, whether the 33-year-old Lambert—who scored three goals in 36 appearances last term—would represent a solution for the Baggies.