Christian Benteke to Liverpool: Reds' legend Robbie Fowler thinks Aston Villa striker would be 'excellent' signing

The Belgium international has been linked with Anfield move

Christian Benteke could be on his way to Liverpool (Getty Images)

Liverpool great Robbie Fowler has spoken about Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke, saying that the Belgian would be an "excellent" signing for the Reds.

Fowler scored 183 goals for the club during his prolific spell at Anfield, and believes that Benteke, who has been linked with a £32.5m move to Liverpool this summer.

“It’s important we get a proven goalscorer and of the names being bandied about I’d go for Benteke. I think he’s excellent," Fowler told the Liverpool Echo.

“I know there are other top strikers out there and probably more prolific scorers. But in terms of all-round play – strength, speed, physicality, finishing – I think Benteke could be the main man for Liverpool.”

I’ve watched him a lot and he’s not just a targetman,” Fowler added. “He can hold the ball well and bring others into play but he’s also mobile and keeps defenders on their toes.

“Before he got his injury I was very impressed with him and I was hoping we would sign him then. He had a slow start after getting back fit but under Tim Sherwood his form was superb.

“I think he’s ideal for the way Brendan wants to play. It’s probably what we lacked at times last season. We had forwards who wanted to drop deep to get involved with the play and we always had that gap up front.

“With a Benteke type, you have someone who will stay up there and stretch defenders. If you have someone who stretches the defence and makes the pitch bigger there’s a lot more space for the likes of Firmino, Coutinho and Henderson to run into.”