Liverpool are on the verge of completing the signing of Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke, according to talkSPORT’s man on Merseyside.

The Reds have been heavily linked with a move for the powerful Belgium international in recent weeks and our Anfield insider Graham Beecroft claims a deal is now imminent.

Speaking on the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast, he said: “My understanding is Christian Benteke, who has been on their radar for some time, is very close indeed to signing for Liverpool.

“I expect him to sign if not today then certainly in the not too distant future. Liverpool have done their work and have sealed a deal [with Aston Villa].”

Brendan Rodgers has already made five signings this summer – James Milner, Danny Ings, Adam Bogdan, Joe Gomez and Roberto Firmino – while a deal for Southampton full-back Nathaniel Clyne is also imminent.

But Beecroft insists Rodgers’ summer shopping spree will not stop with Benteke, as he also has his sights on a new left-back.

“They are also interested in Ludwig Augustinsson, who played last night for Sweden Under-21s against Portugal,” he said.