Liverpool: Palace close on forward; winger waiting on future; loan move for ‘keeper

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He may have been Liverpool’s second most expensive signing when he joined from Aston Villa last summer, but just like Andy Carroll, the only Red to have commanded a bigger fee, the move did not quite work out for Christian Benteke, with just nine goals to his name in a frustrating Premier League campaign.

At odds with Jurgen Klopp’s playing style, a move to London appears to be the cards, with Crystal Palace very keen on his services. There have been plenty of stories emerging about the potential transfer, some of which are conflicting of one another, and today has been no exception for differing tales about the Belgian striker.

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The Mirror continued to report that Benteke was on the verge of leaving, claiming that the striker has agreed personal terms with Palace and is will depart the club as soon as Liverpool receive an offer close to the £32.5 million they paid Aston Villa last summer.  However, Benteke’s agent told Sky Sports that there are “nothing in” the reports of his exit, and the 25-year-old wishes to stay and fight for his place under Klopp next season.

With Danny Ings back from injury, Benteke has been pushed down to fourth choice centre forward (at best), and he is unlikely to see much game time this season. Crystal Palace have already reportedly bid £31.5 million for the Belgian, which would represent excellent business for Liverpool for a player who does not fit the system and would be a squad rotation player at best.

If the Sky reports are true and Benteke wishes to fight for his place, he deserves a lot of credit for his perseverance, but Palace would be an all round better fit for the Belgian. The Eagles are a club who would play to his strengths and are in need of an upgrade in their centre forward position.

Another player heavily linked with a move away from Anfield is 20-year-old winger Jordon Ibe, who has been the subject of a successful £15 million bid from Bournemouth. Ibe though, is intent on keeping Bournemouth waiting as he waits to hear if he has any other offers.

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The former Wycombe youngster is reportedly also interesting West Bromwich Albion and Championship side Newcastle, and could still potentially be used as a makeweight in a deal for either Georginio Wijnaldum or Moussa Sissoko. This is not the end of the potential scenarios however, for Ibe could also still remain at Anfield and fight for his place.

Whether the young winger decides to commit to Bournemouth is a decision the youngster looks as if he will take some time to make, but it has become clear that his immediate future is likely to lie away from Anfield. With the option of a buy-back clauses mooted, it would certainly be sensible for Ibe to depart Liverpool for a fee of £15 million.

Another player departing Liverpool is Danny Ward, but only on loan to Huddersfield Town. Ward, who played in Wales’ opening game of their successful Euro 2016 campaign, signed a new five-year deal at Anfield, but will spend the next season under the guidance of Jurgen Klopp’s friend David Wagner at Huddersfield.

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With Loris Karius signed, Simon Mignolet still in the squad, and ex-Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Manninger set to join, Ward was unlikely to be receiving much game time at Anfield this season. At just 23, he has a bright future at the club, but another season on loan experiencing regular Championship football will certainly aid his development.

As for Manninger, he will replace the ineffectual Hungarian deputy Adam Bogdan as third choice goalkeeper. He is unlikely to play, but will provide extra cover to allow Ward to develop on loan, and could indeed provide some much needed experience amongst what is looking like an ever younger squad under Jurgen Klopp.

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