Aston Villa's Paul Lambert: I won't sell Christian Benteke
Paul Lambert today vowed he will not sell Christian Benteke and ruled out a Villa firesale.
The boss will resist all attempts from clubs to sign the claret and blues' stars but is wary others could cash in on Villa's unsettled situation.
Benteke is currently out for at least another five months with an Achilles injury while Fabian Delph and Ron Vlaar only have a year left on their contracts.
But Lambert is determined to hold onto Villa's stars to give them a fighting chance while the club searches for a new owner.
He said: "I think you'll still have the final say with who came and who went. You would have that on your side.
"I don't visualise anyone leaving without my permission, that's fair to say.
"To be fair to Randy (Lerner), the chairman will let me decide over on that side.
The chairman also wants a return from the big earners left on the wage bill meaning Lambert will now recall Darren Bent and Alan Hutton back to his squad.
Meanwhile, midfielder Gary Gardner has signed a new two-year deal. The 21-year-old has overcome two serious knee injuries and was out of contract next month.
