Chelsea will move for Liverpool striker Christian Benteke if they fail to re-sign Everton frontman Romelu Lukaku, according to The Times.
Antonio Conte’s side are looking to bring Lukaku back to Stamford Bridge just two years after selling him for £28m to Everton but are reportedly refusing to match their £65m valuation.
Chelsea are still hopeful of landing the Belgium international in the summer but it would have to take a dramatic change from Everton to reduce their asking price and the Blues are now weighing up a move for Benteke as a result.
Benteke, 25, struggled to make any impact on Jurgen Klopp last season and looks set to leave Liverpool just 12 months after his £32.5m move from Aston Villa, which they are unlikely to recoup should they sell him.
The powerful striker has won at least 85 more aerial duels than any other player in the last three Premier League seasons (546).
For more stats on Christian Benteke, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
