Report: Liverpool trigger release clause for Aston Villa's Christian Benteke

Liverpool have reportedly decided to meet the release clause in Christian Benteke's contract to sign the Belgian from Aston Villa.

The Reds have been heavily linked with the 24-year-old this summer and could be on the verge of signing him for £32.5m.

According to multiple reports this afternoon, the Reds are willing to meet the clause, but they could face competition from rivals Manchester United, with Louis van Gaal said to be confident of landing the striker.

Either way, if the fee for Benteke is £32.5m, he will become the most expensive Belgian player ever, moving ahead of Eden Hazard, who cost Chelsea £32m.