Benteke's agent refuses to rule out summer switch

Feb 16, 2013 10:20:00 AM

The Aston Villa striker has been linked with clubs such as Arsenal, Manchester City, Tottenham, Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid since his move to the Birmingham-based side

Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke is reportedly being scouted by top teams across Europe after an impressive debut season in the Premier League has left the relegation-battling side fearing the departure of their star man.

Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham are the three Premier League sides who are likely to be competing for the 22-year-old's signature come the summer window, but they will have to fight off interest from upcoming European giants including Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.

While Aston Villa - and particularly their manager Paul Lambert - would be extremely reluctant to sell the striker, Benteke's agent has confirmed that a summer move is possible.

Benteke's agent told The Mirror: "It is normal that if you go to a club and do well, then other clubs will show an interest.

"So why not take the step up to the next level if the opportunity is there?

"At the end of the season interested clubs will talk to Villa - but it has to be right for Villa, the buying club and Christian. If all three parties are agreeable then something could happen.

"But right now his focus is on Aston Villa - and helping them stay in the Premier League. He wants to repay Paul Lambert for the faith that has been shown in him.

"He has scored a lot of goals this season and wants to give 100 per cent between now and the end of the season.

"But Villa will now ask a big price for Christian, much more than they paid for him, because Paul Lambert was the one who gave him his chance.

"I know what his ambitions are, he wants to do well in England."

The Belgian has scored an impressive 15 goals this season, helping Lambert justify both the forward's €9 million price tag and his decision to keep record signing Darren Bent on the sidelines.

However, if Villa do part company with Benteke in the coming months, the asking price is likely to be around double what they paid for him when he signed from Genk.

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