Aston Villa Transfer News: Christian Benteke Set For Crunch Talks With Paul Lambert
The Sun. The highly-rated Belgian international emerged as a target for Tottenham Hotspur last week after stunning his club by handing in a transfer request, just one year after signing from Genk. The 22-year-old reported back for training at Villa's Bodymoor Heath base after sitting out the club's three-match tour of Germany. He has rejoined his West Midlands teammates ahead of their preparations for the new season, which kicks off next month, and boss Lambert hopes the youngster will still be wearing a claret and blue shirt come August. The Scottish manager was quoted by Sky Sports as saying:
"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."However, Benteke could join a growing number of Villa "outcasts" this summer, The Sun goes on to claim. Shay Given, Alan Hutton, Stephen Ireland, Barry Bannan and Darren Bent are among a list of stars facing uncertain futures at Villa Park, and have become collectively known as the "bomb squad". One of the so called members said:
Weve been calling ourselves the Bomb Squad. Were waiting to see if Christian becomes our newest member.Villa will listen to offers starting from £25 million for Benteke this summer, who still has three years of his current contract left to run. Tottenham are reportedly preparing an opening offer of £20 million.
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