Report: Christian Benteke due to have medical with Liverpool

Christian Benteke is closing the chapter on his time with Aston Villa, after reports emerged Sunday morning that the Belgian forward is due for a medical in the next 48 hours ahead of a £32.5-million transfer to Liverpool.

Benteke, 24, is set to join the Merseyside club after spending four seasons at Villa Park, where he scored 49 goals in 101 games. Liverpool reportedly activated the release clause in Benteke's contract, the funds coming from the team's £49-million sale of English forward Raheem Sterling to Manchester City.

With the two club's successfully negotiating payment structures, Benteke will reportedly meet with Liverpool club doctor Andy Massey in London for the medical, with the deal expected to be announced by Tuesday.

Benteke is expected to remain in the UK as Liverpool rounds off its summer tour in Australia.

It's a big move for Liverpool, but not a difficult one, according to manager Brendan Rodgers, who said earlier in the week that bringing in new players to replace players like Sterling is made easier due to the club's storied history.

"Players are always going to want to come to Liverpool, it's such an iconic club, it's a great club," Rodgers told reporters. "The challenge for us is to get back in among the top teams, hopefully that continues to attract players."