Football rumours: Liverpool to pay buy-out clause for Christian Benteke, Sterling may miss club tour as City step up interest and David De Gea will return to Manchester United

Liverpool are set to pay the £32.5m buy-out clause in Christian Benteke’s contract to bring the Aston Villa’s forward to Anfield, according to the Daily Express.

But Raheem Sterling (20) may miss out on the club’s pre-season tour of Bangkok if Manchester City meet Liverpool’s £50m asking price for the England star. (Telegraph)

Spanish goalkeeper David De Gea has confirmed he will return to Manchester United for pre-season training on Monday despite ongoing reports linking him with a move to Real Madrid. (Cautro - in Spanish)

With the future of De Gea uncertain, United are considering a move for Stoke’s 28-year-old Bosnia goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, who is also a target for Chelsea, reports the Daily Mirror.

The Independent are reporting that Arsenal have made initial contact with Spain international Pedro’s representatives over a move for the 27-year-old Barcelona winger.

The Gunners will also pursue a big-money move for Chile midfielder Arturo Vidal with his club Juventus now willing to sell the 28-year-old. (Metro)