Report: Liverpool turn to Llorente, Bacca after refusing to meet Benteke's release fee

Liverpool F.C. are reportedly scrolling down their wish list after their pursuit of Christian Benteke appears to have fallen short.

According to The Telegraph, the Merseyside club have shifted its focus to Fernando Llorente of Juventus F.C. and Carlos Bacca of Sevilla FC after refusing to pay the £32.5-million release fee required to sign Benteke from Aston Villa.

It was reported at the end of May that Liverpool were set to put in an offer for Benteke in order to bolster their attack ahead of next season. Daniel Sturridge is likely to miss the start of the campaign following hip surgery and Mario Balotelli produced one goal through 16 Premier League appearances in 2014-15, clearly indicating the need for a new No. 9 at Anfield.

Juventus could allegedly ask for as much as €20 million (£14.3 million) for Llorente, who scored seven goals through 31 Serie A appearances last season.

Bacca, meanwhile reportedly holds a €30-million (£21.4-million) release clause in his contract, which Sevilla insists on being met. The Colombian forward is fresh off a La Liga campaign in which he notched 20 goals and six assists and appeared in all but one fixture. He was also a key figure in Sevilla capturing a record fourth Europa League title.

Danny Ings is set to join Liverpool when his contract with Burnley F.C. expires at the end of June, and James Milner will be transferring to Anfield on a free transfer from Manchester City once his contract expires on July 1.