Rumour Mongering: Álvaro Morata to Liverpool?

Christian Benteke hasn't quite panned out the way Brendan Rodgers hoped when he forked out £32.5m for the big man last summer. A non-penalty goal every 279 minutes and a conversion rate of 11.3% actually isn't all that far away from his record before the transfer, but the big fee and a seemingly poor stylistic fit makes the deal look like a bigger miss than it might actually be.

With rumours of a bust-up with Jürgen Klopp floating around, it is expected that the big Belgian will be moved on this summer. The immediate reaction is to look for a replacement. It is entirely possible that Daniel Sturridge, Danny Ings, Divock Origi and Roberto Firmino are a satisfactory front line complement in Klopp's eyes, but issues with health, return from injury, youth and being needed at other positions, respectively, makes a purchase, or at least the exploration of one, highly likely.

The reveal that Real Madrid are looking to exercise their buyback option on Álvaro Morata this summer, only to immediately offload him again comes at an opportune time, then. The Spaniard was picked up by Juventus for €20m in 2014, and has done relatively well for the bianconeri, with a goal coming every 175 minutes. Real Madrid have the option to bring him back in July for a fee close to €30m, and are rumoured to be looking for a deal closer to €50m when moving him on again. Real Madrid fans are understandably distraught at the 23-year old not getting a chance at his home town club, but it seems the adorable striker isn't galactic enough for the men at the top.

At 6'3" and with pace to burn, Morata is a threat both in transition and established play. He can play the target man or the vertical threat, links up well with onrushing midfielders, displays excellent instincts in the box, and is clinical with both feet. A knack for popping up with goals or assists in the big games is also noticeable. In short, he is the kind of complete striker Origi projects to be in a best-case scenario, but further along in his development.

The fee stings the eye, and there are bound to be competition for Morata's signature, with Arsenal rumoured to be gunning hard for him, and Bayern Munich also showing an interest. On the other hand, the combination of Benteke and TV money could make £40m palatable for a striker that would diminish the club's reliance on the mythical Healthy Sturridge. Also, Klopp factor might just be a thing.

Will closing out another complicated, clause-filled deal be Ian Ayre's last act at the club? Let's hope so.