Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke expects to be rewarded with a new contract after helping the club secure their Premier League status.
Benteke bagged 19 Premier League goals in a superb debut season in England’s top flight following his £7million summer switch from Genk.
His powerful displays were a key factor as Paul Lambert’s side edged clear of the drop zone ahead of their final-day meeting with relegated Wigan and drew admiring glances from rival clubs.
Now the 22-year-old Belgium international’s agent, Eris Kismet, is planning to sit down with Villa in the coming days to discuss improved terms for his client.
Kismet said: “Now that Villa’s future is secure I hope we can have discussions by the end of this week. If not, then next week.
“We did the transfer deal last summer with Aston Villa with a lot of respect. We hope that discussions on a new contract will be done in the same way.
“Villa have said they want to speak for several weeks, but it has been difficult because of the situation in the Premier League. Now they are safe the situation will change.”
Several clubs have been linked with a summer approach for the young forward, with UEFA Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund the latest to be linked with a bid.
Kismet added: “A lot of scouts from many teams have an interest in Christian. Now Villa’s future in the Premier League is decided we will know more.
“It is natural for many teams to show an interest when Christian has had such a good season.”
