Benteke not for sale - Lambert

Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert insists striker Christian Benteke is part of his long-term plans and is not for sale under any circumstances.

Last Updated: 21/12/12 at 13:50 Post Comment    Bet with SkyBet  Transfer Specials. Click here to bet.

Christian Benteke: Made a bright start to life at Villa

Christian Benteke: Made a bright start to life at Villa

The Belgium international is proving a bargain buy at £8million with his performances since his summer move from Genk.

Villa have offloaded key players such as Gareth Barry, James Milner, Ashley Young and Stewart Downing in recent seasons.

There has been speculation that Benteke could become a target for one of the leading Premier League clubs during the January transfer window.

But Lambert said: "There's no point in us even being here if it's a case of bringing people in and then letting them go.

"What's the point in that? We're trying to build something here which can take a few years and you need good players with you to achieve that.

"There's no point in them coming for half a season or a year and then we let them go. That's not the right way."

Lambert will look to strengthen his squad next month.

When asked if he will look to sign a couple of players in January, Lambert said: "That's the plan, to look at that. I will talk and see what we have.

"I don't think you stand still. I think you've got to look to improve."

Benteke has been drawing comparisons with former Chelsea star Drogba with his physique and power and the way he tormented the Liverpool defence during last weekend's 3-1 win at Anfield, But Lambert was keen to play down the suggestions.

"I can understand why people are comparing with Drogba with the size of the two guys - but Christian is his own man," he added.

"It's unfair for me to turn around and say he's going to be the next Didier Drogba with the career he's had.

"Christian has only just turned 22. But the potential there is incredible, what he can achieve.

Bet with SkyBet  Transfer Specials. Click here to bet.

Football365 Facebook Fan Page

The Football365 fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

Y

et another example of Cameron's broken Britton.

varicoseregent
Britton prepares for surgery

I

ve heard his older brother might be joining as part of the deal too... Roland.

wezmond
West Ham sign defender Rat

I

think it's time anyway. That hat must smell awful by now. Time for a change and a rinse

levi
Pulis' Stoke exit confirmed

Footer 365

Eight in frame for Everton job

Everton are understood to have identified eight potential candidates to replace David Moyes as manager at Goodison Park.

Ferran Soriano says it's time for new era at Manchester City after Roberto Mancini sacked

Chief executive Ferran Soriano says Manchester City are 'just looking for the next cycle' after sacking Roberto Mancini.

TP disappointed to leave Stoke

Tony Pulis is disappointed to have left Stoke but understands the board's wish to take the club in a different direction.

Mail Box

Mails: Jol Out And Other Demands...

You might notice that we haven't included a single mail about teams in pubs, because most of them were terrible. Instead we have a disgruntled Fulham fan and Scouse maths...

A Night In The Pub With Aston Villa...

Villa are the latest team to get the pub treatment, while the morning mailbox also includes missives on Tony Pulis leaving Stoke and Chelsea's future under Jose Mourinho...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved