Borussia Dortmund could be set to step up their interest in Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke, FootballDirectNews.com understands.
The Bundesliga giants have been linked with the powerful Belgian forward in the past, and could now make him their top target for the summer transfer window as they eye a replacement for Robert Lewandowski, who is heading to rivals Bayern Munich on a free transfer. Dortmund got a glimpse of life without the Polish international this evening as they were beaten 3-0 by Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final, and a lack of goal threat from the visitors will be worrying to manager Jurgen Klopp. Benteke had a superb first season in the Premier League last year, attracting interest from the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea in the process, and although his form has not been quite as consistent this term, he has recently been monitored by Spanish side Atletico Madrid.
The 23-year-old has managed 11 goals and two assists in all competitions this season, and it is now thought that Villa could be ready to sell the striker while his market value remains high. I expect Dortmund will come in with a big offer this summer, a Villa Park insider revealed. “We did well to hold onto him last summer, but it might now be that we’re ready to take the money and reinvest it in the squad. “
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