Liverpool's Kolo Toure excited by Christian Benteke arrival

Liverpool defender Kolo Toure has claimed that Christian Benteke will turn the Merseysiders into title contenders this season.

The Belgian striker is expected to complete his move to Anfield from Aston Villa today, after the Reds reportedly activated a £32.5m release clause in his contract.

Benteke has scored 42 goals in 89 Premier League appearances since joining Villa from Genk in 2012.

"Benteke is a great player," Toure told the Liverpool Echo. "It's much better to have him on my side than have to play against him.

"He's so strong and powerful - we all know about his qualities. He's a goalscorer but his mental strength is very important."

Benteke will become Liverpool's seventh signing of the summer should the deal be completed.