Liverpool have moved closer to a deal to sign Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke after the Anfield club met a £32.5million release clause in his contract.

Brendan Rodgers has money at his disposal after Raheem Sterling completed his £49million transfer to Manchester City earlier this week.

With Mario Balotelli failing to ignite after arriving from AC Milan last season, the Anfield boss is still searching for a long-term replacement for Luis Suarez.

Daniel Sturridge endured an injury-ravaged season last term, but Benteke would be viewed as an ideal foil for the 25-year-old England international.

Aston Villa are keen to retain the Belgium international but with Liverpool triggering the release clause in his contract, the Midlands club may find their hand is forced.

Benteke was a pivotal figure at Villa Park last season as Tim Sherwood took over from Paul Lambert and steered the club away from relegation.

The striker found the net 12 times in 12 games and also helped Villa reach the FA Cup final – which they lost to Arsenal.

Personal terms between Benteke and the Reds are thought to be a formality but Liverpool must wait on permission from Aston Villa before a medical can be completed.

Despite missing out on Champions League football for next season, Rodgers believes that Liverpool can still attract the best players to Anfield.

“Players are always going to want to come to Liverpool, it’s such an iconic club, it’s a great club,” he said.

“The challenge for us is to get back in among the top teams, hopefully that continues to attract players.”

Liverpool are 26.00 to win the Premier League next season while they are 3.50 to secure a top four finish.