Spurs Transfer News: Christian Benteke Wants Tottenham Move This Week

by Joseph Dempsey

Mirror. The Belgian international handed in a transfer request last week and looks certain to move on this summer, just a year after joining the Midlands outfit from Genk. The 22-year-old is desperate for a move to North London, where he is guaranteed a regular start by the Europa League-bound Lilywhites in a World Cup year. Benteke is due back at Villa on Thursday after being omitted from the squad that travelled to Germany for their pre-season tour. It is understood he is set for talks with manager Paul Lambert, and is anxious for Spurs to table a bid soon. Andre Villas-Boas is expected to table an opening offer of £20 million but the Villans are holding out for £25 million. Benteke will return to Villa Park if necessary, as he does not want to incur a club fine and lose any of his £20,000-a-week salary. However, the starlet and his representatives are keen for a deal to go through this week to avoid returning to the Midlands. If no compromise can be reached, Benteke - who now-ominously went on strike at his then-club Genk last August to force through an £8 million move to Villa - may take more matters into his own hands...

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Joseph is an accredited football journalist and has interviewed nearly all of the current 20 Barclay's Premier League managers. He is also a correspondent for Bleacher Report and has written for Caught Offside and Give Me Football.