Chelsea have joined the battle for Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke.

The Sunday Express says Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has made the 24-year-old his prime summer target as he looks to rebuild his sagging side.

Other clubs are also monitoring the situation including Chelsea who are looking for a replacement for the departing Didier Drogba.

Manager Jose Mourinho knows that Benteke would hit the Stamford Bridge ground running after a devastating end to the current campaign following Sherwood's arrival.

Neither Liverpool nor Chelsea though are ready to meet the £32.5 million escape clause written into the player's contract.

They would want to negotiate a much lower fee around the £20 million mark leading to a summer of haggling.