Liverpool are set to step up their pursuit of Christian Benteke in the wake of Raheem Sterling's departure to Manchester City.

But Aston Villa remain adamant the Belgium international will not be allowed to leave unless the €46 million buyout clause in his contract is met.

Talks will take place between Liverpool and Villa over the coming days with Benteke seen as the proven Premier League goalscorer that Brendan Rodgers needs to give his team badly-needed cutting edge.

An offer

Liverpool have been reluctant to make an offer that would automatically trigger a deal for Benteke, with the feeling inside Anfield being that € 46 million exceeds the player’s valuation.

That stance will need to change, however, if Liverpool are serious about signing a player who has scored 42 Premier League goals for struggling Villa over the last three seasons.

Villa intend to dig their heels in over Benteke’s price and are not concerned that they run the risk of the player still being at the club next summer with only 12 months left on his contract.

For Benteke, who has made it clear to Villa he wants to leave, there is a feeling the next week will be critical in terms of whether there is a breakthrough and Liverpool’s interest turns into a concrete offer.

Sterling finally completed his acrimonious transfer from Liverpool to Manchester City in a deal worth an initial €62 million. The fee for the 20-year-old could rise to €70 million with add-ons linked to appearances and honours, establishing Sterling as the most expensive English player.

Five-year contract

The forward has signed a five-year contract believed to be worth around €284,000 a week and will wear the club’s No 7 shirt. Sterling will fly out to Australia to join his new club-mates on their pre-season tour.

"Raheem Sterling is one of the best attacking players in world football and I am very much looking forward to him joining our squad out in Australia," said Manchester City manager Pellegrini. Guardian Service