Aston Villa forward wanted at the Etihad Stadium.
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Manchester City are preparing a £20milion bid for Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke in the summer, according to the Sunday People.
The giant 22-year-old Belgian international has proven to be a major Premier League hit with 14 goals for struggling Villa in his first season in England since signing from Genk in a £8million deal.
It was reported on Friday that £16million-rated Benteke is ready to quit Villa at the end of the season and Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool were immediately suggested as potential destinations for the striker.
But the Sunday People claim that Manchester City are set to lead the race for his signature in the summer and are preparing a £20million having had Benteke watched at Everton last weekend when he found the net twice.
City sold striker Mario Balotelli in the January transfer window and have been linked with summer moves for Liverpool’s Luis Suarez, Atletico Madrid’s Radamel Falcao, Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema, Santos starlet Neymar and Napoli’s Edinson Cavani to replace him.
They could also offload fellow forwards Carlos Tevez and Edin Dzeko, who have been reported to be some of the big names who could be sold in a summer clear-out at the Etihad Stadium.