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Liverpool are ready to offer Rickie Lambert in their bid to sign Christian Benteke.

Aston Villa striker Benteke is one of Liverpool's top transfer targets this summer and they could face competition from Chelsea.

But Liverpool know Villa were keen on Lambert in January and could be ready to offer the England striker as bait for Benteke.

Lambert, 33, decided to stay in January and fight for his place at Anfield but Villa, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth are all keen this summer.

Villa have made it clear they do not want to sell Benteke and boss Tim Sherwood says he is hopeful of him staying.

But they face a major battle to keep him with big interest and his contract has two years to run.

Liverpool are planing a major shake-up this summer with James Milner and Danny Ings expected to move to Anfield.