Everton want Christian Benteke

Everton have identified Liverpool’s Christian Benteke as the man to replace Romelu Lukaku if Chelsea meet their £75million asking price for the Belgium striker.

The 25-year-old, who has been told by Reds’ boss Jürgen Klopp that he is free to find another club, agreed personal terms ahead of a proposed transfer to Crystal Palace earlier in the window but Palace have so far refused to meet Liverpool’s £30m valuation leaving him in transfer limbo.

Sunderland, now managed by former Everton boss David Moyes, are also interested in the striker who will be looking for clubs to match his £120,000-a-week wages.

Abel Xavier was the last player to switch between Everton and Liverpool back in January 2002.

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