Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke set for Liverpool medical

Christian Benteke is in London to undergo a medical with Liverpool ahead of a £32.5m ($50m) move from Aston Villa, according to the Mirror.

The Belgian striker is set to become Liverpool's seventh signing of the summer with the move likely to be completed over the next few days. The Reds have triggered his release clause and the forward will join the likes of Roberto Firmino, Joe Gomez, Nathaniel Clyne, Adam Bogdan, James Milner and Danny Ings at the club.

Liverpool are looking to get themselves back in the race for a top four spot after finishing sixth last season and Brendan Rodgers believes that a goal scoring striker will be integral for them in achieving their feat. Club doctor Andy Massey has reportedly flown back from their pre-season training in Australia to look over the medical.

The striker has been in brilliant form for the Villans since returning from a anterior cruciate ligament injury which kept him out for the better part of a year. Since then, he has scored 15 goals in all competitions and helped them save the drop and also qualify for the final of the FA Cup at the expense of Liverpool.

Benteke would thrive under the supply provided by the likes of Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino, a step above what he is used to at Villa, which is likely to increase his goal-scoring tally at the club. Both players are currently on a break following their exertions in the Copa America and will join the first team later this week.

Meanwhile, teammate Adam Lallana is confident that it will be a major sign of intent from Liverpool should they rope in Benteke, and exuded confidence that they will be back in the race to challenge for a top-four finish.

"That would be a big statement. He is a big ­presence. He has always scored goals. He would be a very strong component for us if he was to arrive," Lallana told the Mirror.