ASTON VILLA ARE ready to play hardball in a bid to hold on to striker Christian Benteke.
Villa confirmed last night that the Belgian international has handed in a transfer request with Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea leading the chase for his signature.
Benteke, 22, did not travel to Germany for the squad’s pre-season camp but Villa said that he had already been granted extra time off until 18 July.
The striker scored 23 goals in his first Premier League season after moving to the Midlands from Belgian club Genk on a four-year contract.
“[Christian] was reminded that there are three years remaining on his contract, we consider him to be a Villa player and expect that he will be with us for the 2013-14 season”, a statement issued by Villa last night read.
Having received his transfer request, we have also informed him that should we receive an offer within an appropriate timeframe during pre-season which meets our valuation we would act upon it. But he will remain a Villa player should this not happen.
Manager Paul Lambert said: “While we’re hugely disappointed that Christian has put in a transfer request, it’s important that people appreciate we are trying to build something strong and vibrant here at the club, something this club demands and stands for, and we want Christian to be part of that.”
Sigh….the lure of big bucks but as a Villa fan I say let him go if he wants to go, no point keeping someone who doesn’t want to play for the team.
Fcuk me … I wasn’t shocked !
Sure didn’t he think Villa were a London club when he signed for them.
Villa are in the driving seat here with Benteke who has used the Villa as a stepping stone to a bigger club, however Villa hold all the cards, he is ‘only’ on 20k a week, with 3 years and 2 months left on his contract and we are coming into a world cup season. When Benteke wanted away from Genk to join Villa he went on strike and refused to train in an attempt to force a move away. He cant afford to do that this time as Villa have shown with Darren Bent and Steven Ireland that they are prepared to leave high earners on the sidelines for the betterment of the team, I dont think Paul Lambert would think twice about doing this with Benteke to prove a point to the rest of the squad, so either Villa get a large sum this summer to part with this important player, if not Benteke must knuckle down and play and give 100% for Villa, if he tries to force the move he could be left with the reserves and not play this Season which would jepordaise his chances of playing in the World Cup.
I am still gutted he wants out though!