Villa in talks with Benteke over new deal

Aston Villa have already opened new contract talks with Christian Benteke in an attempt to keep their star striker at the club. 

Benteke missed Villa's 2-2 draw against Wigan Athletic yesterday through suspension but Paul Lambert is confident that their top scorer will still be with them next season. 

Although the 22-year-old top scorer still has three years left on his contract, Villa are believed to have offered him an extended deal on improved terms to ward off potential summer suitors.

The Belgium international has hit the ground running in his first season in the Premier League, scoring 19 goals for Villa.

He has been instrumental in Villa's fight to beat the drop and was nominated for Young Player of the year. It will be key for Villa to tie Benteke down to a new and improved contract as many Premier League clubs will be circling the promising forward. 

“We have been speaking for the last few weeks there so we will see what happens,” said Lambert.

“I think it’s important we keep the nucleus of lads we have here and add to that. It’s not just about one individual. Christian, since the turn of the year, is only behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in goalscoring.

“He has been fantastic in the way he has been performing, but every one of them deserves praise for what they have done.”

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