Liverpool have triggered the £32.5m release fee in Christian Benteke's contract, Sky sources understand.
Liverpool have been pursuing the Aston Villa striker for most of the summer to add to their striking options for next season.
Benteke, who has two years remaining on his Aston Villa contract, has scored 49 goals in 101 appearances for the club he joined from Genk in 2012.
The Belgian international scored 12 goals in 12 Premier League games last term as he helped Villa retain their top-flight status after a poor start to the season.

Player Profile

20. Christian Benteke

  • Appearances0
  • Goals0
  • Assists0
  • Yellows0
  • Reds0
  • Current Season domestic and international figures 16th Jul 2015
Earlier this week, Villa boss Tim Sherwood said he wanted to keep Benteke but admitted the club were powerless if a bid of £32.5m was received.
“If someone matches that buy-out clause there is nothing we can do about it,” Sherwood told Sky Sports News HQ.
“But until that happens he is an Aston Villa player and we are all very pleased about that.”
Sky Bet suspended their market on Benteke's next club on Thursday afternoon after Liverpool were backed in to 1/10 to sign him.
And after meeting the release fee stipulated in Benteke’s contract, Liverpool now look set to conclude a deal that would see the 6ft 3in striker become the second most expensive signing in their history.