By Mark Finlay
Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is ready to test Paul Lamberts resolve over Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke.
The 22-year-old striker wants to play for Spurs after having submitted a transfer request last week, with Villa manager Lambert already looking at replacements for the clubs top scorer.
The Belgium international striker was responsible for 40% of all the goals scored by Villa last season and was monumental in keeping them in the Premiership.
Villa are not going to take a penny less than £25 million for Benteke, but manager Lambert would like a deal done as soon as possible in order to get on with his plans for next season.
Villa is currently in Germany on their pre-season tour with Benteke told to stay away from the club until next Thursday.
Speaking while on tour Lambert said: “You try to create the same things you had last season – that feeling of everyone in it together.
“You do that and it takes you a long way.
“I don’t mind where you get the goals from; you just have to keep trying to function as a team.”
