Villa bid for Benteke rejected

Sky Sports sources understand Aston Villa have had a bid for Genk striker Christian Benteke turned down.

Genk forward on strike as he seeks link up with Lambert's side

Sky Sports sources understand Aston Villa have had a bid for Genk striker Christian Benteke turned down. The Belgium international has been tracked by Villa boss Paul Lambert for much of the summer and the Premier League club are hoping to tie up a deal before the transfer window closes. Although Genk have turned down the offer, this is believed to have prompted Benteke to go on strike at the Jupiler League club. That could yet force a move despite the fact that the player has three years remaining on his deal. The 21-year-old has begun the season in fine form, netting three times in five games for Genk as well as scoring for Belgium against Holland last month. Lambert is looking to add new signings after Villa lost their opening two games of the Premier League season with record signing Darren Bent cutting an isolated figure in attack.