Liverpool striker Christian Benteke has emerged as a summer transfer target for Crystal Palace, according to The Daily Star.
The Belgian international is said to be one of three big-name targets that Alan Pardew will look to take to Selhurst Park next season as they look to strengthen their squad and improve on their finish in the Premier League this past year.
While that is a boost for their supporters, it will certainly be a disappointment for Liverpool and Benteke should he leave Anfield after just one season.
The former Aston Villa striker arrived at the club in a deal worth £32.5m last summer, and struggled to make an impact as he failed to fit in to the style of play adopted by both Brendan Rodgers and Jurgen Klopp.
Having scored just 10 goals and provided six assists in 42 appearances in all competitions, it was certainly a blow to the 25-year-old’s confidence as he had enjoyed a prolific spell at Villa Park previously and would have undoubtedly hoped to continue to impress.
Nevertheless, as it continues to be clear that he will not only struggle to make an impact for Liverpool but will also be limited next season with the competition in Klopp’s squad, a departure looks like a wise move for all concerned.
Whether a move to Palace is the right one remains to be seen, but the fee generated from his sale will give Klopp further flexibility in the transfer market as he continues to be a busy man this summer.
The German tactician has also already signed Marko Grujic, Joel Matip and Loris Karius, and plenty more new faces are expected on Merseyside in the coming months.