Manchester United begin to set their sights elsewhere with Gareth Bale looking increasingly likely to sit tight at the Bernabeu and Jackson Martinez’s name seemingly coexistent with the less preferred Reds – Liverpool and Arsenal. Step forward Christian Benteke.
12 in 12 for the Aston Villa striker as he ended his season on the right note, saw the frontman lingering on the minds of many top-half table managers. However, Brendan Rodgers’ side will once again look to thwart Louis van Gaal’s plans, the Merseyside outfit having the 24-year-old topping the summer wish list, occupying the number one spot.
Not only do the Red Devils face Rodgers’ special highlighter pens to indicate just how fond their Premier League rivals are of the Belgian though, but the revelation of a £32.5million buy-out clause stands in the way. It all depends on whether the club value Benteke enough to not not splash out around £30million – as he is valued by his current employers – but also pay the added price.
After all, it is a hefty sum for a player who has only recently rediscovered his mojo, for all we know, it could be Tim Sherwood’s special touch and his only that once again that has seen the frontman return to form, or the summer break could destroy his momentum. However, with his tender years, the man in question could be one worth the purchase now before bagging another ’20 or 30 goals’ and heading for bigger and better, as the former Spurs head coach suggested.
“There’s a buy-out clause in his contract so it will be impossible for us to stop him if he wants to go. Someone’s got to meet that buy-out clause and if they don’t it won’t be considered because we don’t want to lose him,” said Sherwood. “I don’t know what the figure is but I believe it will be quite substantial. He’s made no indication that he wants to leave. I’ve not had a conversation with him.
“This is still a huge football club. It’s up to the individual to make that decision, I can’t make it for him. I want him to stay here.”
On the other hand, the striker could be tempted by a contract extension at Villa Park, and make sure of himself there before completing a big money move at a later stage. The grass is often greener on the other side as they say, though I don’t suppose it’s got anything on Old Trafford.
