This evening, Aston Villa’s Paul Lambert has been keen to add to his squad. Before the window closed, the club announced the signing of Belgium international striker Christian Benteke.
Villa had two initial bids rejected by the 21-year-olds former club, Genk, and there appeared to be a stand-off between the two clubs for a period earlier today.
But a deal was finally struck for the striker, who has been a major target in recent weeks for Villa.
Lambert has watched the player in action on several occasions and feels he is the ideal kind of forward to supplement penalty box predator Darren Bent and the speedy Gabriel Agbonlahor.
Benteke has netted three times in five games this season after being on target 18 times during the 2011-12 campaign in all competitions.
He was also scored for his country for the first time in the 4-2 win over Holland earlier this month in what was his fifth cap.
“I am still young and I have realised my dream. My dream was to come here and I am very happy,” Benteke told Sky Sports News.
“I hope I will be a success. I am motivated.
“It was difficult and I say thank you to Genk and everyone there. I will go forward for a new challenge.
“I think every player wants to come to the Premier League and I am very happy.”