Liverpool are ready to challenge Manchester United for the transfer of Aston Villa's Christian Benteke, the Independent reports.
The 24-year-old scored 16 goals in 34 games in all competitions this season with Liverpool ready to offer striker Rickie Lambert, 33, to Aston Villa in their bid to sign the Belgium international.
He is expected to feature in Saturday's FA Cup game against Arsenal as boss Tim Sherwood believes he will stay put despite all the rumours.
"Christian is only a young man but he's very mature in the way he behaves," Sherwood is quoted as saying by Express Sport.
"I think he's handled the situation well. I have no reason to believe he wants to seek employment elsewhere.
"He seems to be very happy here and this morning, at training, he was smiling.
"He knows there are big games coming up in Sunday and the cup final and I think he wants to be at this football club. I'm convinced of that."
