ASTON VILLA ARE ready to play hardball in a bid to hold on to striker Christian Benteke.
Villa confirmed last night that the Belgian international has handed in a transfer request with Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea leading the chase for his signature.
Benteke, 22, did not travel to Germany for the squad’s pre-season camp but Villa said that he had already been granted extra time off until 18 July.
The striker scored 23 goals in his first Premier League season after moving to the Midlands from Belgian club Genk on a four-year contract.
“[Christian] was reminded that there are three years remaining on his contract, we consider him to be a Villa player and expect that he will be with us for the 2013-14 season”, a statement issued by Villa last night read.
Having received his transfer request, we have also informed him that should we receive an offer within an appropriate timeframe during pre-season which meets our valuation we would act upon it. But he will remain a Villa player should this not happen.
Manager Paul Lambert said: “While we’re hugely disappointed that Christian has put in a transfer request, it’s important that people appreciate we are trying to build something strong and vibrant here at the club, something this club demands and stands for, and we want Christian to be part of that.”
