West Ham have turned to Liverpool’s Christian Benteke after seeing a club-record £31million bid rejected by Lyon for striker Alexandre Lacazette, according to The Sun.
The Hammers have made no secret of their intentions to spend big on a striker this summer and moved quickly to secure top target Lacazette on Tuesday.
However, Lyon’s decision to reject our advances have reportedly frustrated the club and they are now looking elsewhere for alternative options.
One of those is thought to be Liverpool front man Christian Benteke, who has struggled for form since signing for the Reds from Aston Villa last summer.
Benteke, 25, is believed to be a long-term target for Slaven Bilic and The Sun claim the Hammers may try and loan the Belgium international next term.
However, with Benteke earning more than £120k-a-week at Anfield could prove to be a stumbling block unless Liverpool agree to subsidise part of his salary.
Transfermarkt.com value Benteke at £22.5m, but although West Ham are clearly prepared to spend big money on a striker, the fact only a loan is reportedly being explored suggests there are doubts over his ability after a less than convincing season at Anfield.
Benteke contributed 10 goals and three assists in 40 first team appearances for Liverpool this season, although he settled for 20 of those appearances off the bench.
Benteke v Lacazette – 15/16 comparison
