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Shaka Hislop warns Liverpool: 'Christian Benteke not worth £32.5m'

Shaka Hislop says that Liverpool should think twice before spending £32.5m on Aston Villa's Christian Benteke, who he claims is not a world-class striker.

Former Newcastle United goalkeeper Shaka Hislop has claimed that Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke is not worth the £32.5m needed to trigger his buyout clause.

The 24-year-old is expected to leave Villa Park but it remains to be seen where he will be plying his trade next term, with Liverpool reportedly front of the queue.

Speculation has mounted that the Reds, who were previously rebuffed with a £22m approach, were poised to return with an improved offer in excess of £25m.

"My complaint about Benteke for the past couple of seasons is that I just don't think he's a great finisher," Hislop told ESPN.

"He's decent but not international quality, as a £32.5 million price tag would suggest.

"He's rediscovering a decent touch after his injury but still not back to where he was and still not world class."

Benteke is contracted to the Villans until 2017.

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Christian Benteke of Aston Villa celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Aston Villa and Everton at Villa Park on May 2, 2015
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