According to reports from the Sky Sports Transfer Centre at 17:04 today, Christian Benteke has rejected the chance to extend his contract at Aston Villa.
The Belgium international ended the 2014/15 campaign in a blaze of incredible form, netting twelve times in his final 13 outings – including a Premier League hat-trick against Queens Park Rangers – to bring his Villains total to 49 goals in 99 appearances.
That, in combination with Villa boss Tim Sherwood admitting in May that the 24 year-old’s contract includes a £32.5million release clause, has lead generated interest from some of the Premier League’s top clubs, namely Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United – as revealed by This Is Futbol.
Earlier this month, club chief executive Tom Fox has sought to pour cold water on rumours of an abrupt departure, claiming the 6 foot 3 target-man would be offered an improved contract at Villa Park. But according to Sky Sports, Benteke has now turned down the opportunity to pen extended terms.
They also report Aston Villa are yet to receive an offer for the former Genk star in a separate article released this afternoon, but talkSPORT claim Manchester United have launched an enquiry into the club’s valuation, hoping they can sign Benteke at a slight reduction of his buy-out fee.
They also speculate the Red Devils could make a cash-plus-player bid.