Report: Crystal Palace want £10m for Aston Villa target Christian Benteke; Spurs also linked

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Crystal Palace will hold out for £10 million before they agree to sell Aston Villa target Christian Benteke, according to The Sun on Sunday (19/1; page 65), in news that may also be of some interest to Tottenham Hotspur.

Benteke has endured a poor season for Roy Hodgson’s side. He is yet to score in 15 Premier League appearances this term – though he has only started four times.

Nevertheless, he has been linked with moves to two of Palace’s divisional rivals.

The Telegraph reported earlier this month that Tottenham have been offered the chance to sign the Belgian following the injury sustained by Harry Kane.

Meanwhile, The Sun on Sunday (19/1; page 65) reports that the Villans are keen to re-sign their former striker.

Dean Smith is going to be without Wesley for the rest of the season. Villa certainly cannot allow the window to close without a new striker being brought in.

And it appears that they have learnt what it will take to bring Benteke back. The Sun on Sunday suggests that Palace want £10 million and will not consider a loan.

TBR View – Villa and Spurs should steer clear

While it may have been worth a gamble to sign Benteke on loan for the rest of the season, neither Villa or Spurs should be tempted by his reported asking price.

Benteke was impressive during his time at Villa Park. And he did extremely well during his first season with Palace. But he has since scored four league goals in two and a half seasons.

Villa certainly cannot afford to get too much wrong in this window. Meanwhile, Spurs should arguably be setting their sights a lot higher given the attacking quality they do still possess without Kane.

It would be a huge risk for either if they met Palace’s asking price. It will be interesting to see whether either spring a major surprise and prove to be tempted.