Liverpool trigger release clause for Aston Villa striker Benteke

Liverpool have triggered the £32.5million release clause in Christian Benteke's Aston Villa contract.

It was reported on Thursday morning that Manchester United were ready to capitalise on Liverpool's reluctance to meet Villa's asking price for Benteke by making their own move, but Brendan Rodgers' side have now given into the Midlanders' demands.

Benteke is now free to discuss personal terms with the Reds and will become their second most expensive signing, behind Andy Carroll, should the transfer go ahead.

Benteke scored 49 goals in 101 appearances for Villa over the past three seasons, including six goals in 12 matches at the end of last campaign to help Tim Sherwood's side to safety.

Liverpool have already bought James Milner, Danny Ings, Nathaniel Clyne, Joe Gomez, Adam Bogdan and Roberto Firmino this summer, with the Benteke deal set to take their spending to around the £80million mark.