Liverpool to offer Rickie Lambert, Fabio Borini in Christian Benteke deal?

Liverpool will reportedly use Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini as makeweights in a deal for Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke.

The Reds have been linked with a move for the 24-year-old, who has a £32.5m buyout clause.

It is thought that the Belgian international is willing to leave Villa Park and will not sign a new deal when his current deal expires in 2017.

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is said to be looking to freshen up his frontline and, according to The Independent, he will offer Lambert and Borini to Villa in an attempt to make a deal for Benteke happen.

Lambert moved to Anfield from Southampton last summer but has struggled to make an impact with his boyhood club, while Borini has been reduced to substitute appearances in recent months.

Liverpool have reportedly had a £22m bid for Benteke turned down.