Tottenham & Aston Villa locked in talks over ?23m Benteke dealJul 16, 2013 8:09:00 AM
Paul Lambert's side are still demanding ?29m for their wantaway forward, who is due to return to training on Thursday and wants a deal to go through this weekBy Greg Stobart
Tottenham are locked in talks with Aston Villa over a deal to take striker Christian Benteke to White Hart Lane.The Belgian is keen for the transfer to go through this week and Spurs are hopeful of reaching a compromise agreement to prevent a summer transfer saga.
Villa want ?29 million for Benteke, who scored 23 goals last season, while Spurs have indicated they are willing to offer around £15m after making an approach for the 22-year-old last week.
The Londoners will offer further incentives to take the value of their offer to around £20m, which they believe will be enough to land the former Genk man.
Benteke, who would triple his £20,000-a-week wages at Spurs, handed in a transfer request last week as he attempts to force through a move away from Villa Park.
He is due to return to training on Thursday after being left out of Villa’s pre-season trip to Germany and given extended time off by manager Paul Lambert.
Liverpool have also made an enquiry for Benteke while
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is considering an offer for the forward, who went on strike last summer to force through his ?9m transfer from Genk.
Benteke is understood to have first indicated his preference to move to Spurs several months ago, with the north London club stepping up their interest after losing out to Atletico Madrid in the race to land David Villa.
Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas wants his squad for the new season in place early as he looks to mount a challenge for a top-four finish.
Brazil international midfielder Paulinho has arrived from Corinthians in a ?20m deal while the club are also looking for a versatile winger, with FC Twente star Nacer Chadli a potential option.
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