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Christian Benteke has admitted it will be “difficult” for him to stay at Liverpool if he is not in Jurgen Klopp’s plans.

The Belgian striker’s future has been the subject of much discussion since Klopp’s arrival on Merseyside. The £32.5m man has made just seven starts since the turn of the year, finding himself behind Roberto Firmino, Daniel Sturridge and Divock Origi in the pecking order.

West Ham have been linked with a summer move for the 25-year-old, who rejected the chance to move to China earlier this year. Benteke’s stance, whenever questioned, has been that he wishes to stay and fight for his place at Anfield.

But speaking to reporters at Belgium’s training base, he stated the importance of regular first-team football, and suggested he would consider his Liverpool future after Euro 2016.

“At 25 years old, I’m neither old nor young but it’s important to play,” Benteke said.

“I still have a contract at Liverpool and I’d like to stay there, if I remain in the coach’s plans.

“If that’s not the case, it will become difficult to stay. I’ll think about if after the Euros.”

Benteke still managed to net 10 goals in all competitions last season, though there were obvious concerns as to whether his style of play fitted into Klopp’s system.

“I was prepared for what I went through,” Benteke added. “I knew that if I had mixed performances I would be criticised. That’s what happened.

“When Klopp arrived, I saw that I wasn’t in his plans. That was frustrating because I knew that during my first season at Aston Villa he wanted me.

“But we had several discussions together. I respect and I understand his decisions.”