Liverpool transfer news: Mark Lawrenson urges Brendan Rodgers to complete Christian Benteke signing

Liverpool legend Mark Lawrenson has urged Brendan Rodgers to complete the signing of Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke.

The Belgium international's future at Villa Park is uncertain as his form in this calendar year has seen him attract interest from the Premier League clubs. The 24-year-old is linked with a move to Liverpool, while their league rivals Tottenham Hotspur are also in the race for his signature.

The Evening Standard reports Benteke has set his sights on making a switch to Liverpool and will reject any approach from the north London club. He has a £32.5m release clause in his contract.

The former Reds defender has advised Rodgers to splash the cash on Benteke as he believes the Villa frontman can be the right fit at Anfield.

"After a busy summer already in the transfer market, it looks like a big signing up front will be next for Liverpool and Christian Benteke could be the final piece of the jigsaw," Lawrenson told the Liverpool Echo.

"The two clubs are still dancing around their handbags a bit regarding the fee but, unless Brendan Rodgers pulls another rabbit out of the hat like he did with the Brazilian lad Firmino, I can't really see who else it's going to be."

"I've heard that the player himself fancies the move, so that's half the battle. Given that Rodgers shipped out Andy Carroll at the first opportunity, many people have questioned whether Benteke would fit into Liverpool's style of play, but I don't think that would be a problem."

"We all know that his strength is in the air and he could play on his own up front and would be able to operate in a 4-3-3 or in a diamond, with Danny Ings behind him.

"It's all about different options for Brendan. Not just from game to game but changing within matches now, which seems to be a big thing within the Premier League.

"Louis van Gaal does it at Manchester United while Jose Mourinho has that flexibility at Chelsea, too," the Anfield favourite concluded.