Liverpool will trigger the £32.5 million release clause of Christian Benteke of Aston Villa.

Brendan Rodgers made the Belgian striker his primary target, but the club had long been reluctant of meeting the valuation.

Villa were adamant they would not budge on the clause and, after selling Raheem Sterling to Manchester City in a £49m deal this week, Liverpool are understood to have relented.

With QPR taking part of Sterling's transfer fee, Liverpool has essentially swapped him for Benteke and £3.5 million.