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

I

m starting to think Roman may never actually be happy at the top level. If he wants all conquering fancy football I wonder if he'd be better off buying a lower division side then paying outlandish salaries to attract high caliber players too good for the division.

john matrix
The Most Unsatisfying European Victory...

R

afa has to be favourite for the Everton job now, surely :) He'll realise his ambition to live and work on Merseyside again, get the best out of whoever plays for them, maybe win some cups and be thoroughly loathed by the toffee fans. What's not to like? Go ead, Ken, gimajob!

captbusby
Benitez basks in final glory

T

hat is arguably the least inspiring England I have ever seen. There is not a single name in that list that makes me think I might actually want to watch this team. Not a one.

harry hotspur
Carroll back in England squad

Footer 365

Premier League: Newcastle owner Mike Ashley offers £1m incentive for victory over Arsenal

Newcastle owner Mike Ashley will share out £1m between the club's non-football staff if they beat Arsenal on Sunday.

Emotional Beckham says goodbye

David Beckham was in tears as he left the pitch after playing what could be the final game of his career as Paris Saint-Germain beat Brest 3-1.

Clichy signs new City deal

Manchester City have confirmed that Gael Clichy has signed a new four-year deal at the Etihad Stadium.

Mail Box

James Collins Is Only 29. Tough Paper Round

He is one of a number of solid shouts for players that look old before their time. We also have the final words on lovely D-Beck and a rejection of end of season playoffs...

Without Posh, Becks Could Have Been Scholes

That's one opinion, but others give their thanks to the man. We also have ideas for a relegation playoff, happy memories of the season and a defence of Liverpool's campaign...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved