Liverpool target Christian Benteke set to request Aston Villa for transfer

Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke will notify manager Tim Sherwood that he wants to leave the club this summer, amid interest from Liverpool, according to the Telegraph.

The Reds want the forward to fill the void left by the departure of Luis Suarez and the injury to Daniel Sturridge, but are unwilling to shell out the £32.5m ($50m) release clause, which Villa are unwilling to budge on, in his contract. Benteke, who had put in a transfer request two seasons back has two more years on his current contract and has refused to sign an extension.

Tottenham are also interested in the striker, and the Mirror reports that Mauricio Pochettino is willing to sweeten the deal for Spurs by offering Emmanuel Adebayor on a cash-plus-player deal to the Midlands.

The Belgian has been in brilliant form over the second half of last season and led Villa to safety following the appointment of Sherwood. He also inspired his team to the finals of the FA Cup in Wembley where they were comprehensively beaten by a virile Arsenal side, who slotted four past them to lift their second trophy in succession.

The 24-year-old shall report to training at Villa Park where he will hold talks with Sherwood over his predicament and urge him to let him leave for a reduced fee. The Villans are set to continue their pre-season training in Portugal, before returning to England to start their Premier League campaign on 7 August.

The Reds have already signed six players thus far, starting with Adam Bogdan from Bolton Wanderers, Joe Gomez from Charlton Athletic, Danny Ings from Burnley, James Milner on a Bosman from Manchester City, Roberto Firmino from Hoffenheim and Nathaniel Clyne from Southampton.

Benteke's arrival will give their side a wholesome look and make them serious challengers for a place in the top four. However, they are still waiting for a resolution on Raheem Sterling, who is being scouted by Manchester City and are likely to launch a £50m ($77m) bid for the player in the near future, the Guardian reports.

Steven Gerrard has also left the club for a role in the MLS after his contract expired at Anfield.