• Premier League

Benteke makes Villa return

ESPN staff
July 18, 2013
Christian Benteke scored 19 Premier League goals for Aston Villa last season © Getty Images
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Wantaway striker Christian Benteke reported back for training with Aston Villa on Thursday, amid speculation regarding his future.

Villa confirmed last week that Benteke has asked for a transfer after his 19 Premier League goals last season helped the club avoid relegation.

Manager Paul Lambert is keen to retain the striker's services, in spite of reported interest from Tottenham Hotspur.

Benteke missed Villa's recent tour of Germany as he was given extended leave following his early-summer duties with Belgium, but he returned to training as requested on Thursday.

The Birmingham Mail had reported Benteke would be fined by Villa if he failed to report back to the club's Bodymoor Heath training ground by Thursday's deadline.

The forward signed for Villa from Genk last season for £7 million and his fine debut campaign in England has seen a figure of around £20 million touted as Villa's asking price for the player.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
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