Christian Benteke is reportedly stalling on a move to Liverpool this summer in the hope that Manchester United will make an approach.
The Reds are thought to have triggered a £32.5m release clause in the Aston Villa striker's contract.
However, according to The Mirror, the Belgium international is keen to delay a switch in order to join a club set for Champions League football next season.
It is suggested that Benteke, who scored 16 goals in 35 appearances for the Villans last season, could now be the subject of a Man United bid in the coming days.
Tim Sherwood is said to be eyeing up Tottenham Hotspur's Emmanuel Adebayor as a direct replacement for the outgoing forward.