Liverpool are set to trigger Christian Benteke's £32.5million release clause after changing their valuation of the Aston Villa striker.
Manager Brendan Rodgers made the Belgium international his primary target to strengthen his forward line but for a long time the club were reluctant to meet the figure needed to spark a move.
Villa were adamant they would not budge on the clause and, after selling Raheem Sterling to Manchester City in a £49million deal this week, Press Association Sport understands Liverpool have now relented and will make their approach to the midlanders.
Chief executive Ian Ayre is currently in Brisbane with Rodgers and his squad for the second leg of their pre-season tour but will still handle negotiations with Villa for the purchase of the 24-year-old.
Source: PA
