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EXCLUSIVE

LIVERPOOL have turned their attentions to South American duo Carlos Bacca and Salomon Rondon as they weigh up alternatives to Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke.

Belgium international Benteke was identified as the Reds’ No 1 attacking target this summer as manager Brendan Rodgers looks to add greater firepower to his squad.

However, Villa are adamant that Benteke will only be sold if a club triggers his £32million release clause and Liverpool have no intention of tabling that kind of offer.

The Reds value the 24-year-old frontman closer to £20million and are ready to walk away and pursue other options,

Colombia international Bacca and Venezuela attacker Rondon are among the names under consideration with both strikers currently in action at the Copa America in Chile.

Anfield staff are in attendance at the tournament and have been watching their contribution closely.

Bacca would be the more expensive option as the Sevilla striker, who scored 28 goals last season, would command a fee of around £20million.

The 28-year-old began his career with Atletico Junior in his homeland before moving to Europe when he signed for Belgian side Club Brugge in 2012.

An impressive haul of 28 goals led to him being named the Belgian League’s Player of the Year in 2013 and he was snapped up by Sevilla for 7million euros.

During his two seasons in Spain he has netted 49 goals in 108 appearances - including a match-winning double in last month’s Europa League final triumph over Dnipro in Warsaw.

In pictures: LFC transfer target Carlos Bacca

Rondon plays in Russia for Zenit Saint Petersburg and the 25-year-old would cost around £15million.

The 25-year-old joined Spanish outfit Las Palmes from Venezuelan first division side Aragua FC in 2008 before moving on to Malaga two years later.

After scoring 27 goals in 72 appearances, he was bought by Rubin Kazan for 10million euros in 2012. In January 2014 he signed for Zenit Saint Petersburg and his 20-goal haul fired them to the title last season.

Rondon and Bacca came up against each other in the Copa America last week with Rondon grabbing the winner as Venezuela beat Colombia 1-0.

Bacca has also been making headlines as he was sent off after the final whistle following Colombia’s 1-0 win over Brazil and given a two-match ban.

He was involved in a melee after Neymar, who was banned for four matches, head-butted Colombia’s goalscorer Jeison Murillo. Bacca responded angrily by shoving the Barcelona star in the back.

The Anfield hierarchy believe both Rondon and Bacca would provide better value for money than paying £32million for Benteke.

Liverpool are also keeping close tabs on a third player at the Copa America - Hoffenheim midfielder Roberto Firmino. The Reds are considering a move for the Brazil international, who has also attracted interest from Manchester United.

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