Report: Aston Villa braced for Christian Benteke bid as Liverpool eye swap deal

Liverpool are reportedly prepared to offer striker Rickie Lambert to Aston Villa in part-exchange for Christian Benteke.

Lambert has struggled since he arrived from Southampton last summer and is widely expected to leave the club, while Benteke has been heavily linked with a move to Anfield.

The Mirror reports that Villa want to keep Benteke but could be tempted by Liverpool's offer of money, plus Lambert.

However, they also suggest that Liverpool could face competition from Chelsea for the Belgian striker, as the Blues look to replace Didier Drogba.

Benteke has scored 16 goals this season.