Transfer Rumours

Wilfried Bony remains keen on a move away from Vitesse Arnhem, but has seen talks regarding a switch to Aston Villa hit a stumbling block.

Sky Sports sources understand Aston Villa have ended their interest in Clint Dempsey as the Fulham attacker wants to join Liverpool.

Paul Lambert has described new signing Jordan Bowery as "battle-hardened and one for the future" as the 21-year-old striker completed a three-year deal from Chesterfield which will keep him at Villa to the end of the 2014-15 season.

Sky Sports sources understand striker Christian Benteke is on his way to Birmingham to discuss personal terms and have a medical at Aston Villa.

Benteke completes move to Villa on a four-year deal
Christian Benteke moves to Villa.

Christian Benteke admitted he has taken his inspiration from fellow Belgian internationals Vincent Kompany, Thomas Vermaelen and Eden Hazard - as well as Villa manager Paul Lambert - as he completed his "dream move" to the Barclays Premier League, agreeing a four-year deal which will keep him at Villa to the end of the 2015-16 season.

ASTON VILLA are ready to ship out misfit Darren Bent for £5million.

Newcastle, Hull and Fulham are all poised to make a move for the striker — but the Toon are in pole position.

Villa did want £8million for the England ace, who cost a club-record £24m when he signed from Sunderland in January 2011.

But they are set to slash £3m off the asking price just to get £65,000-a-week Bent off the books.

Boss Paul Lambert left him on the sidelines last season in favour of Christian Benteke and has made it clear the 29-year-old is not part of his plans.

Aston Villa have confirmed Christian Benteke has handed in a transfer request and the striker will be allowed to leave if a suitable offer is made 'within an appropriate timeframe'.

Benteke was a revelation for Villa last season after his £7million arrival from Genk and he scored 19 goals in the Premier League.

The Belgium international was a key figure in helping Villa to retain their top-flight status and he has subsequently been linked with a summer move.

The likes of Atletico Madrid, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur are among the clubs who are reported to have shown an interest in the 22-year-old.

Villa have now confirmed that Benteke has asked to leave the club, but have rejected claims the powerful forward refused to travel on the pre-season trip to Germany.