Report: Manchester United plan Christian Benteke swoop

Manchester United will reportedly try to beat Liverpool to the signing of Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke.

The Belgian international has been linked with a move to the Reds, who are understood to be planning to use the cash from the expected sale of Raheem Sterling to secure the forward.

However, The Sun now reports that Louis van Gaal's side are willing to meet the £32.5m release clause in Benteke's contract, which is thought to be more than Liverpool are willing to pay.

United are short of strikers following Robin van Persie's move to Fenerbahce.

Benteke scored 16 goals in 35 appearances for Villa last season.