Liverpool get their money back on Benteke

Liverpool will recoup their £ 32 million ($ 58 million) outlay on Christian Benteke after finally agreeing a fee with Crystal Palace.

Following a prolonged pursuit of the Belgian, Palace concluded negotiations with the Merseyside club yesterday. They will pay an initial £ 27 million, with another £ 5 million based on clauses.

Liverpool had earlier rejected two bids from the Londoners because they felt certain conditions were unrealistic. But now Benteke has been given permission to complete the formalities, ending a difficult year on Merseyside which quickly soured after the sacking of Brendan Rodgers last October.

Jurgen Klopp could not find a place for Benteke in his plans, preferring Divock Origi and Roberto Firmino, even on those occasions when Daniel Sturridge was unavailable.

With Danny Ings working his way back to fitness, Benteke knew a year in the wilderness beckoned unless he moved on.

There were several suitors for his signature, but Palace were the only club to make a serious move.

Their needs are great after an opening- day defeat and the sale of Yannick Bolasie for £ 28 million earlier this week.

Benteke, 25, can now try to revive his career at Selhurst Park and will no doubt be seeking to make a point about his overlooked talent.

He was barely used in pre- season and did not make the bench for the season opener at Arsenal.

His days have been numbered since Klopp took over. Signed for £ 32 million from Aston Villa, he was targeted by Rodgers for more than a year to try to reverse the former manager’s fortunes.

After a promising start — scoring the winner on his Anfield debut — he was injured by the time Klopp arrived and never won the German’s trust.

The shift in tactics by Klopp, favouring players of greater movement, never suited Benteke.

Meanwhile, Klopp says left back Alberto Moreno has been unfairly targeted for criticism after explaining why he is in no rush to go back into the transfer market for a defender.

“Which kind of criticism? Are we doing this every time someone’s performance isn’t very good then we talk about it in a press conference?” said Klopp.