Chelsea are interested in signing Liverpool striker Christian Benteke this summer, according to the Times.
The Blues are in the market for a new forward ahead of the new season and have been chasing Everton star Romelu Lukaku - an international teammate of Benteke - in a deal which could cost them as much as £65m. The likes of Paris Saint Germain, Juventus, Borussia Dortmund and Manchester United have all been linked with the 23-year-old too.
Lukaku remains the club's number one striking target, according to the report, but new Chelsea coach Antonio Conte has put the feelers out on Benteke incase they are to miss out on the Everton hitman, who scored 18 Premier League goals last season.
Liverpool are however thought to be looking to recoup most of the £32m fee they paid for Benteke last summer, even while the player failed to make an impression on the club's first team. Benteke hit nine goals in 29 Premier League appearances for the Reds last term - 14 of which were starts - following his move from Aston Villa.
Chelsea to turn to Christian Benteke with Romelu Lukaku deal in doubt? Report: https://t.co/nMvPaF7h0u #CFC #LFC pic.twitter.com/tFZnZAICF1
Benteke is reported to have fallen out with manager Jurgen Klopp over his position within the team in recent months, and Liverpool will consider selling the player for the right price. They will however need to think carefully about accepting an offer from the Blues, who will be considered a direct rival for the top four next season.
Chelsea have also been linked with the likes of Miralem Pjanic and Radja Nainggolan in recent weeks.
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