Carlos Bacca to Liverpool: Reds stop negotiations with Sevilla over £21m striker

Liverpool hopeful of reaching deal for Christian Benteke instead

Carlos Bacca (GETTY IMAGES)

Liverpool have halted negotiations over the potential transfer of £21m striker Carlos Bacca.

The Sevilla player is among those on the Anfield radar in what has been a hectic transfer window for the Reds.

The Colombian, whose release clause is £21m, had been considered among the most likely players to arrive at Anfield this summer. However, The Independent understands that the Reds have stepped away from negotiations.

The change in mood at Anfield relates to an increased hope that the deadlock with Aston Villa over Christian Benteke can be broken. Villa want £32.5m - the Belgian's release clause - but Liverpool are unwilling to match it. However, the Reds are trying to get creative to ensure a deal happens.

There is also a feeling at Anfield that Bacca's escape clause valuation is too high, particularly with the 29-year-old having little re-sale value.