Liverpool Transfer News: Reds' Target Striker Wanted by Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal

Liverpool were one of the first teams to have set their sights on Aston Villa's striker, Christian Benteke, who  looked impressive for Aston Villa after the former Tottenham boss Tim Sherwood replaced Paul Lambert at the club.

But Liverpool's task has been made difficult with a number of other teams also showing their interest in Benteke. Initially it was understood that Tottenham Hotspur were also keeping close tabs on Benteke, but now Arsenal and Chelsea are said to be eying the player, who could prove to be a lethal striker.

Though, for Arsenal, Benteke might not be their top target as the Belgian could be an alternative for Arsene Wenger if Porto's striker Jackson Martinez does not sign for Arsenal.

Although Arsenal have quality strikers in the form of Danny Welbeck and Olivier Giroud, Benteke could prove to be a huge addition.

In fact, many clubs across the EPL will love his services up front.

Jose Mourinho is also interested in signing the striker, reported the Express. But with players such as Diego Costa and Loic Remy as Blues' main strikers, will the Belgian be ready to fight for a spot?

Chelsea have mostly played with one striker up front and Costa is their main man when fit.

The club, which is eager to sign the striker, needs to put its hands deep in the pocket as Benteke is said to have a £32.5million release clause. Though Sherwood might not be eager to let the striker go, he also knows it will be difficult to keep the player at Villa, especially if a big club comes calling.

Some Villa fans may have well resigned to the fact that their striker will leave the club during the summer.

Meanwhile, Metro has reported that Liverpool can sign the Belgian striker if they offer him £150,000-a-week. It will be better suited to sign for the Reds, as at present, amongst all the teams linked with the striker, Liverpool is one team which can give him plenty of game time.

But if the player wants champions league football, like many top players of the modern era, he might as well sign for Arsenal or Chelsea.

Finally, it is his call.