Aston Villa warns rivals off £7m summer signing Christian Benteke

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has warned any interested clubs that £7m summer signing Christian Benteke is not for sale.

Benteke has been in sparkling form since his move from Genk on a four year contract.

He has has netted six goals, replaced Darren Bent as Villa's number one striker, and also established himself in the Belgium side.

Lambert is constantly singing the praises of the 21-year-old and is adamant he will remain at Villa should any interest be forthcoming in the player.

He said: "Christian has been excellent for us. He is a big strong lad but he can also play.

"If he keeps progressing the way he has so far, he will be an incredible player.

"I have to hold onto Benteke. He's going nowhere."

Lambert added: "I have run out of things to say about Christian. He is not the finished article but he has been excellent for us and a fans' favourite.

"You have to be a good player to get into the current Belgium side and he has scored plenty of goals for them already.

"He might not peak for a few years yet. He's only 21 and can be anything he wants."

PA