Liverpool have reached an agreement to sign Belgian international Christian Benteke from Aston Villa. A formal announcement on the player's arrival will be made in the next 48 hours.

It had been recently speculated that Benteke was waiting on an offer from Manchester United, and this had stalled his proposed move to Anfield.

However, Sky Sports News reveals that the Reds will sign up the talented marksman in the next 48 hours, having agreed to trigger the £32.5m release clause on the player's contract.

It is also understood that Benteke has agreed terms over a contract, and will have a series of medical tests in Liverpool on Monday.