Christian Benteke to be the first of four new Liverpool arrivals [Times]

Posted by

Brendan Rodgers remains hopeful that a deal for Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke will kick-start his summer spending. According to The Times, Rodgers is looking to get four moves over the line in the coming weeks, with James Milner, Danny Ings and Neto also on his hit-list.

SEE MORE:
Liverpool predicted XI v Stoke City – Raheem Sterling starts despite contract dispute
Six 2014-15 loan stars who are going to be a big hit at Liverpool next season
Liverpool transfer news

The Times state that Rodgers’ main priority this summer is to sign attacking players, with Benteke and Ings likely to join Daniel Sturridge and Divock Origi in an entirely new-look strikeforce. The Northern Irishman has given up on the likes of Mario Balotelli, Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini, who are all set to go (via the Mirror).

Benteke, who is valued at around £30m, has been in fine form during the second-half of the season, scoring 12 goals in his last 11 games, and has netted 15 in total throughout the campaign. Ings has scored ten times for already relegated Burnley and is out of contract at the end of the season.

Milner – who is also in the final month of his deal – will help fill the void left by Steven Gerrard’s move to LA Galaxy. Despite The Times suggesting that City have offered the player a massive new deal, worth around £165,000-per-week, Milner is being tipped to sacrifice the wage hike in favour of playing more regular first-team football.

Neto will replace another departing Reds star, Brad Jones, who is also free to move on this summer. The Brazilian, who currently plays for Serie A side Fiorentina, will hopefully provide stiff competition for Simon Mignolet in the Liverpool goal.

The Times close by claiming that Raheem Sterling remains part of Rodgers’ plans as well, despite provocative comments attributed to his agent, Aidy Ward, in a newspaper interview. The Reds seemingly remain willing to negotiate and will continue to try and convince the youngster to stay.

While there was nothing particularly new here, it’s interesting to see these rumours collaborated in a single place. If this is anything to go on, it’s going to be a busy and intriguing summer at Anfield.

More Stories Christian Benteke Danny Ings James Milner Neto Raheem Sterling