LONDON: Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke is poised to join Liverpool after all rather than Manchester United with both clubs prepared to activate a £32.5m release clause in his contract.

The Belgium striker would held fill the attacking void of Raheem Sterling after the England forward’s departure to Manchester City.

United had hoped to land Benteke to replace Fenerbahce-bound Robin Van Persie at Old Trafford as negotiations continue while manager Van  Gaal and his squad start their north American tour with their other new signings on board.

New German signng Bastian Schweinsteiger, his injury concerns all behind him, has been fully involved in United’s first training sessions in Seattle.

Further summer signings in Dutch forward Memphis Depay (from PSV), France midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin (from Southampton) and Italy fullback Matteo Darmian (from Torino) were also out working, seeking to make a positive immediate impression on Van Gaal.

Schweinsteiger is adamant his fitness concerns are behind him.

In an interview with MUTV the former Bayern Munich midfielder said: “Of course I had a tough World Cup so after that I was injured until, I think, the end of October. But then I had great weeks and months with Bayern, I was not injured and I am feeling great now.

“Everything is fine and I’m looking forward to giving my best for Manchester United and I’m really happy to be here.”

** Victor Valdes, the former Barcelona goalkeeper, has told he is to be sold by Manchester United after refusing to play for the reserves.

##########