Transfer Centre

Jurgen Klopp: 'Liverpool will not gift surplus strikers to anybody'

By Giuseppe Labellarte, Reporter | 12 August 2016

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says that he will not offload Christian Benteke or Mario Balotelli on the cheap, despite admitting that six forwards is too much.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has warned other clubs that he will not be selling Christian Benteke or Mario Balotelli on the cheap.

Both strikers have been deemed surplus to requirements at Anfield, with Divock Origi, Daniel Sturridge, Roberto Firmino and Danny Ings also in the squad.

The former Borussia Dortmund boss told reporters: "Christian Benteke, Mario Balotelli, all the other strikers, they are really good - they don't miss anything in their chances.

"Having six strikers is a little bit too comfortable but it's still possible. If anybody thinks that because we have more than one striker, we make presents to other clubs, that's the biggest misunderstanding in world football. We will 100% not do this.

"We have to bring them all in the best shape. Until August 31 I can change my mind if I want, each second. We will wait."

Crystal Palace reportedly had a £25m bid turned down last month for Benteke, with the Reds keen to recoup the £32.5m they paid to Aston Villa in 2015.