Benteke on Reds radar

Christian Benteke could be the man to fill the gap left by Luis Suarez at Anfield if the Uruguayan leaves the club this summer, according to the Daily Mail.

Suarez last week announced his desire to leave Liverpool, citing the English press as the reason for him wanting to move away.

The club have since moved to deny that the 26 year old is for sale, however it is understood that Benteke is the Reds number one target should Suarez move on.

The Belgian international was key to Aston Villa’s survival in the Premier League last season, scoring 19 goals in 34 appearances.

Meanwhile, fellow striker Daniel Sturridge could miss the start of the season, after scans confirmed the damage picked up during England’s draw with the Republic of Ireland on Wednesday was worse than expected.

Sturridge, who scored 11 goals in 16 appearances for the Reds since signing from Chelsea in January, could miss up to four months, meaning it could be September before the 23 year old plays again.

Elsewhere, the Liverpool Echo understands that Andy Carroll’s move away from Anfield could be confirmed this week with the striker expected to complete a permanent move to West Ham United.