Sidelined striker rejected chance to leave Liverpool in January but will be sold in summer

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Christian Benteke will be put up for sale by Liverpool in the summer, less than a year after becoming our second most expensive signing ever, according to The Times.

The Times claims that the £32.5m buy will be the highest profile casualty of a mass exodus at Anfield, made certain by the Capital One Cup final defeat to Manchester City.

SEE MORE: Capital One Cup final video highlights & report: Reds lose to Man City on penalty kicks

Benteke was an unused substitute in Sunday’s penalty-shootout drama at Wembley, although he remains Liverpool’s top Premier League scorer this season with six goals.

Jurgen Klopp does not appear to be a fan – the Belgian has started only FA Cup games since January 2. Roberto Firmino, Daniel Sturridge and Divock Origi have all been favoured.

The Times adds that Benteke rejected advances from the Chinese Premier League in the January transfer window, but he is running out of time to persuade Klopp he can be of use.

This report comes from a reputable source – The Times’ Merseyside football writer Tony Barrett – and won’t come as a surprise to many considering Benteke’s disappointing impact.

With Danny Ings to return from injury and another forward likely to arrive – recouping as much money as we can is probably the best that we can hope for as far as Benteke is concerned.

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