Tony Cascarino: Villa should sell Benteke

Former Aston Villa striker Tony Cascarino believes the club should cash in on Christian Benteke – if the Belgian wants to leave.

Villa remain hopeful Benteke will sign a new contract, although it is believed that the big striker will refuse to extend his current deal at Villa Park.

Cascarino poured scorn over the supposed £32.5million buyout fee in Benteke's contract, thinking clubs could be put off by the price given the striker's poor form before Tim Sherwood's arrival at Villa Park.

The former Republic of Ireland striker said: "You're fortunate to play for clubs like Villa and, I believe, if the player doesn't want to be there then you have to look elsewhere.

"I don't like keeping players who don't want to play for you. I'm not convinced clubs are sure at £32m.

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"He came back after injury and looked a shadow of the player for six months, he looked nowhere near the Benteke that ripped teams apart and took on teams on his own at times.

"And then he got back into the fold once Tim for the job and looked the Benteke of old. But that's only over a four-month period."

Rumours have also linked Liverpool with midfielder Fabian Delph for a suggested £12million fee, with Fabio Borini and Jordan Ibe on loan in exchange.

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