Richard Dunne: Villa will battle to keep Benteke

The want-away striker ended speculation of a strike in support of his demands for a move by turning up on schedule for pre-season training yesterday.

As he was arriving through one door, so the injury-hit veteran defender was leaving through another as he took up QPR boss Harry Redknapp's one-year offer.

Dunne said: "Christian Benteke was brilliant when he came in last season. Every training session and every game he performed.

"He's a top talent and I think Aston Villa will do really well if they can keep hold of him.

"But, obviously, there's going to be bigger clubs trying to get him. He's an important player and, if they can keep him, it will really benefit their season."

Villa have unveiled a stream of new deals for some of last season's other leading contributors. Ciaran Clark's new three-year contract was announced yesterday.

Full-back Matt Lowton is expected to be the next in a line that has also included Ashley Westwood, Andi Weimann, Brad Guzan and Nathan Baker.

But it's Benteke's position which is key for manager Paul Lambert who is continuing to prepare for the new campaign, with the Belgium international part of his plans.