Lambert keen to not lose striker in the summer amid intense interest.
Aston Villa are prepared to offer striker Christian Benteke a new improved contract in order to fight off interest in the star, according to the Telegraph.
The Belgian international has been a revelation since his arrival last summer in an £8m deal from Genk, and has attracted interest throughout Europe as a result.
Benteke has scored 22 goals in his first Premier League campaign which included a vital hat-trick in the win over Sunderland on Monday, as Villa continue to fight for their top flight survival and are now five points clear of Wigan ahead of their trip to Norwich this weekend.
However, it is believed that once their Premier League status is secured for next season, they will look to start negotiations with the 22-year-old in a bid to keep him at the club.
Villa have gained recognition for their emphasis on promoting youth, and despite a rough season which continues to see them battle with the drop, there are promising signs for the future.
However, recent history has seen them part with their biggest stars to bigger clubs, with the likes of James Milner and Ashley Young moving to either side of Manchester in order to further their careers and win silverware.
Boss Paul Lambert has admitted that he is keen to keep his current squad together, and that the sale of key players is not part of the plan.
“There’s no point in planning something and thinking it’s going to grow and then all of a sudden they’re not there. The decision will always be my own if I let people go.
“You’ve got to try and nurture it and let it build. I think that’s where it becomes frustrating if you have to lose players you think you’re trying to build a team around,” he told reporters as quoted by the Telegraph above.
Benteke’s goals and overall contribution have been integral to Villa’s success this season, and they will be hoping to agree new terms in the near future in order to keep hold of their most prized asset.
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