Liverpool are set to trigger Christian Benteke's £32.5M release clause in his Aston Villa contract.

The two clubs had been at loggerheads over a deal.

But now Raheem Sterling's £49M move to Manchester City has been confirmed and it is understood Liverpool have relented.

It comes in a week when the Belgian centre-forward had also been linked with Manchester United, who are also on the lookout for a striker.

But the Reds are also hugely interested in bringing in a reliable centre-forward having lost Daniel Sturridge to injury for much of last season and seen the likes of Mario Balotelli flop.

A £32.5M deal would make him the second most expensive signing in Liverpool history.

The 24-year-old could now complete the move over the weekend.