Crystal Palace striker Christian Benteke has not held talks with West Bromwich Albion and is 99 per cent sure to stay at Selhurst Park until the summer, agent Kismet Eris told RTBF.
It would be unfair to suggest that reports linking Benteke with the Baggies are little more than idle, baseless speculation.
After all, West Brom boss Sam Allardyce admitted on Monday that he ‘would be interested’ in reuniting with a striker who saved his Crystal Palace side from relegation four years ago.
With his contract expiring in July and Jean-Philippe Mateta arriving from Mainz, it would make sound financial sense for the Eagles to cash in on their £27 million record signing during the final week of the transfer window.
But, according to the Belgium international’s agent, there has been no approach from West Brom – not yet, anyway.
“This morning again, just before training, I spoke to Christian. He confirmed to me that he had not had any contact with WBA, or any other club,” Eris said.
“Christian said to me: ‘Kismet, I am very good here, I play regularly, I am not afraid of competition. I want to stay at Palace’. He was very clear.
“I haven’t received any requests from WBA and I’m sure Palace hasn’t received any either, otherwise they would have warned me. I rather think the club are hoping to get Christian to sign a contract extension.
“There are 99 chances out of 100 that Christian is still at Crystal Palace in end of transfer window.”
It seems, then, that West Brom would be wasting their time making an offer for Benteke before Sunday’s transfer deadline. Clearly, the former Aston Villa ace wants to fight for his place at Selhurst Park, despite the added pressure brought on by Mateta’s arrival.
The Express and Star reports that, at any rate, Benteke would have to take a major hit on his £100,000-a-week wages to seal a move to The Hawthorns.
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