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Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert confirms contract talks underway for Christian Benteke
ASTON VILLA manager Paul Lambert has emphasised once again that Christian Benteke is not leaving Villa Park this summer, as talks are underway to offer him a fresh deal.
Benteke has enjoyed an excellent breakout season for Villa after signing from Genk last summer for £7m.
The powerful Belgian hit man has piqued the interest of Arsenal and Spurs in recent weeks, although Lambert has valued him at £30m to deter suitors.
Lambert, who was without Benteke for the final game of the season against Wigan after his red card against Chelsea, stressed once again that a deal will be thrashed out.
"I think the thing that people are forgetting is that Christian Benteke has got three years left with us... after the season he's had it is normal that people are going to be eyeing him up," Lambert told talkSPORT.
"I'm pretty sure, and you can ask Christian yourself, he's absolutely loving it here at the minute."
Benteke is thought to be earning £20,000 per week at Villa which is a fraction of what the top earners such as Darren Bent and Richard Dunne go home with.
Benteke hit 19 goals this season in the Premier League.