Liverpool are set to use Rickie Lambert as a sweetener as they continue to pursue Aston Villa's Christian Benteke.

The Daily Mirror reports that the Reds are prepared to offer 33-year old England international Lambert plus cash to Villa in a bid to land Belgian ace Benteke.

Villa are determined to keep Benteke in the West Midlands but there is sure to be plenty of interest in the 24-year old who has scored 11 goals in his past 11 outings.

Premier League champions Chelsea are also being credited with an interest in Benteke.