5. Christian Benteke
Christian Benteke is the least well-known striker mentioned in this article, but he had an impressive first season in the Premier League. With 19 goals in 34 league appearances, he was crucial to Villa's survival this campaign. And at the tender age of 22, the sky is the limit for the young Belgian international. Though many believe in the second season syndrome that has hampered the likes of Javier Hernandez and Papiss Cisse, many clubs have been linked to Benteke after a first season for Villa which marked the most goals scored by an individual player in claret and blue since the 2003-04 season. Several clubs have been linked to the prolific hitman, from
Arsenal and Spurs to
Atletico Madrid, who are looking to replace Falcao. Boss Paul Lambert has claimed that Villa will not consider bids of
under £40 million. The in-demand Belgian may well stay at Villa due to the ludicrous price tag put on him, but Lambert may be tempted by offers of around £20 million, which the aforementioned interested clubs surely have to spare. With
Atletico receiving £50 million for Falcao, Spurs reportedly offering Defoe in a player-cash deal and Wenger being promised an increased transfer kitty, expect to see Villa's resiliency tested by some of the biggest clubs in Europe. The favourites to capture Benteke are Liverpool, and with the £15 million they will
reportedly receive for Andy Carroll as well as the money from Luis Suarez,
should he leave, and the boots that will need to be filled, this seems the most likely option. The Merseyside club will also be able to stump up enough cash, though may be put off by the Carroll saga and not settle for more than £20 million as a result.
Chance of moving: 60%.
Where to: Liverpool are odds-on favourites - though Arsenal, Atletico and Spurs are all possible options.
For how much: Villa want £40 million, but around £25 million could test their mettle.