Analysing the Transfer Gossip – 30th June Part One: Torres, Benteke and more

Aston Villa have placed a £25m price tag on 22-year-old Belgium striker Christian Benteke to put off interested clubs.

Full story: Sunday Mirror

What’s the story? Benteke is critical to Villa’s future. Their end of season upsurge was based on Lambert getting the best out of him so having to completely reshape everything by selling him is not a good idea.

Does it make sense? Yes, but with a caveat. It’s all well and good turning offers down based on having him on a long cheap contract, but they do need to reward him with a pay rise. It’s one thing trying to keep things cheap but it’s always better rewarding players who have played well for the club over new signings.

Is the price right? It is for Villa but no one should be paying this for a player who hasn’t got a second good season under his belt.

Will it happen? He’s not going anywhere unless a team misses out on everyone and panics late in the window. See Carroll, Andy.